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Goswami A, Weinberg E, Coraluzzi L, Bittermann T, Nahas J, Addis S, Weinrieb R, Serper M. A Tailored Virtual Program for Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment Among Liver Transplant Candidates and Recipients Is Feasible and Associated With Lower Post-Transplant Relapse. Clin Transplant 2024; 38:e15381. [PMID: 38940230 PMCID: PMC11273277 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.15381] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is a leading indication for liver transplant (LT) in the United States. Rates of early liver transplant (ELT) with less than 6 months of sobriety have increased substantially. Patients who receive ELT commonly have alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) and are often too ill to complete an intensive outpatient program (IOP) for alcohol use disorder (AUD) prior to LT. ELT recipients feel alienated from traditional IOPs. METHODS We implemented Total Recovery-LT, a tailored virtual outpatient IOP specific for patients under evaluation or waitlisted for LT who were too ill to attend community-based alcohol treatment programs. The 12-week program consisted of weekly group and individual counseling delivered by a master's level Certified Addiction Counselor trained in the basics of LT. Treatment consisted of 12-Step Facilitation, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. We report on program design, implementation, feasibility and early outcomes. RESULTS From March 2021 to September 2022, 42 patients (36% female, 23 in LT evaluation, 19 post-transplant) enrolled across five cohorts with 76% (32/42) completing the program. Alcohol relapse was more common among noncompleters versus those who completed the program (8/10, 80% vs. 7/32, 22%, p = 0.002). History of trauma or post-traumatic stress symptoms were associated with lower likelihood of completion. Patients' desire for continued engagement after completion led to the creation of a monthly alumni group. CONCLUSIONS Our integrated IOP model for patients with high-risk AUD in LT evaluation or post-transplant is well-received by patients and could be considered a model for LT programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpita Goswami
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA
| | - Ethan Weinberg
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA
| | | | - Therese Bittermann
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA
| | - Jonathan Nahas
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA
| | - Senayish Addis
- Penn Transplant Institute, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Robert Weinrieb
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA
| | - Marina Serper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA
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2
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Haque LY, Leggio L. Integrated and collaborative care across the spectrum of alcohol-associated liver disease and alcohol use disorder. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00939. [PMID: 38935926 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
The public health impact of alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), a serious consequence of problematic alcohol use, and alcohol use disorder (AUD) is growing, with ALD becoming a major cause of alcohol-associated death overall and the leading indication for liver transplantation in the United States. Comprehensive care for ALD often requires treatment of AUD. Although there is a growing body of evidence showing that AUD treatment is associated with reductions in liver-related morbidity and mortality, only a minority of patients with ALD and AUD receive this care. Integrated and collaborative models that streamline both ALD and AUD care for patients with ALD and AUD are promising approaches to bridge this treatment gap and rely on multidisciplinary and interprofessional teams and partnerships. Here, we review the role of AUD care in ALD treatment, the effects of AUD treatment on liver-related outcomes, the impact of comorbid conditions such as other substance use disorders, obesity, and metabolic syndrome, and the current landscape of integrated and collaborative care for ALD and AUD in various treatment settings. We further review knowledge gaps and unmet needs that remain, including the role of precision medicine, the application of harm reduction approaches, the impact of health disparities, and the need for additional AUD treatment options, as well as further efforts to support implementation and dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lamia Y Haque
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Yale Program in Addiction Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore and Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Division of Addiction Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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3
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Binder A, Fenchel J, Lang I, Batra A. [Control and care structures at transplant centers for patients with ethyltoxic cirrhosis while waiting for a liver transplant: A qualitative survey of practitioners.]. DAS GESUNDHEITSWESEN 2024; 86:362-370. [PMID: 37451273 PMCID: PMC11077546 DOI: 10.1055/a-2106-9717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to record the current care and control structures in place for patients with ethyltoxic liver cirrhosis while being prepared for a liver transplant (LTX) at German transplant centers. In addition, it was also intended to analyze the associated barriers as well as the view of the practitioners on ways to improve care of this patient group. METHODS In an exploratory descriptive qualitative design, 11 interviews with practitioners from 10 of the 22 German LTX centers were conducted and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS There were considerable differences in the care and control structures in place at the LTX centers. Addiction therapy counseling or treatment were not integrated into the treatment concept at all centers. Structural barriers arose from insufficient funding and staffing. Practitioners recommended expansion of treatment options as well as standardizing treatment concepts. DISCUSSION The results of our study point to a need for action both in the area of the structures of the individual LTX centers and overall at the system level. Taking into account current standards of addiction medicine, our results could serve as a basis for the development of treatment concepts and recommendations for optimizing standard care before LTX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Binder
- Sektion Suchtmedizin und Suchtforschung, Universitätsklinikum
Tübingen Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie und
Psychotherapie, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Julia Fenchel
- Sektion Suchtmedizin und Suchtforschung, Universitätsklinikum
Tübingen Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie und
Psychotherapie, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Immanuel Lang
- Sektion Suchtmedizin und Suchtforschung, Universitätsklinikum
Tübingen Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie und
Psychotherapie, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anil Batra
- Sektion Suchtmedizin und Suchtforschung, Universitätsklinikum
Tübingen Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie und
Psychotherapie, Tübingen, Germany
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4
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Shahid N, Rehman MAU. Comment on "Integrating an addiction team into the management of patients transplanted for alcohol-associated liver disease reduces the risk of severe relapse". JHEP Rep 2024; 6:100938. [PMID: 38495336 PMCID: PMC10943052 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nayab Shahid
- Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
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Haque LY, Zuluaga P, Muga R, Fuster D. Treatment of alcohol use disorder in patients with alcohol-associated liver disease: Innovative approaches and a call to action. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2024; 19:19. [PMID: 38504384 PMCID: PMC10949674 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-024-00448-8] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Alcohol-associated liver disease is currently the leading cause of liver transplantation and liver deaths both in Europe and the United States. Efficacious treatments exist for alcohol use disorder, but they are seldomly prescribed for patients who need them. Besides, the presence of liver cirrhosis can complicate pharmacological treatment choices. In this review, we discuss established and innovative treatment strategies to treat unhealthy alcohol use in patients with alcohol-associated liver disease. We also describe the experience of our own institutions, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol in Badalona (Spain) and Yale-New Haven Health and Yale Medicine (Connecticut. United States of America).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lamia Y Haque
- Department of Medicine, Digestive Diseases, & Program in Addiction Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Paola Zuluaga
- Department of Internal Medicine, Addiction Unit, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08916, Badalona (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Robert Muga
- Department of Internal Medicine, Addiction Unit, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08916, Badalona (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Daniel Fuster
- Department of Internal Medicine, Addiction Unit, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08916, Badalona (Barcelona), Spain.
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Singal AK, Leggio L, DiMartini A. Alcohol use disorder in alcohol-associated liver disease: Two sides of the same coin. Liver Transpl 2024; 30:200-212. [PMID: 37934047 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) has emerged as the leading indication for liver transplantation (LT) worldwide, with 40% of LTs in the United States performed for ALD in 2019. The ALD-related health care burden accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in young individuals. Alcohol use disorder (AUD), which focuses on the negative effects of alcohol on psychosocial, physical, and mental health, is present in the majority of patients with ALD, with moderate to severe AUD in 75%-80%. During the last decade, early liver transplantation (eLT) has emerged as a lifesaving treatment for selected patients with alcohol-associated hepatitis; these patients may have a higher risk of using alcohol after LT. The risk of alcohol use recurrence may be reduced during the pretransplant or post-transplant period with AUD treatment using behavioral and/or pharmacological therapies and with regular monitoring for alcohol use (self-reported and complemented with biomarkers like phosphatidylethanol). However, AUD treatment in patients with ALD is challenging due to patient, clinician, and system barriers. An integrated model to provide AUD and ALD care by hepatologists and addiction experts in a colocated clinic starting from LT evaluation and selection to monitoring listed candidates and then to following up on recipients of LT should be promoted. However, the integration of addiction and hepatology teams in an LT program in the real world is often present only during evaluation and candidate selection for LT. Data are emerging to show that a multidisciplinary integrated AUD treatment within an LT program reduces recurrent alcohol use after LT. If we want to continue using early liver transplantation for patients with severe alcohol-associated hepatitis, LT programs should focus on building integrated multidisciplinary care teams for the integrated treatment of both AUD and ALD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwani K Singal
- Department of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Avera McKennan University Hospital, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
- Department of Transplant Hepatology, Avera Transplant Institute, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
- Department of Medicine, VA Medical Center, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Addiction Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Andrea DiMartini
- Departments of Psychiatry and Transplant Surgery, and the Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Shroff H, Gallagher H. Multidisciplinary Care of Alcohol-related Liver Disease and Alcohol Use Disorder: A Narrative Review for Hepatology and Addiction Clinicians. Clin Ther 2023; 45:1177-1188. [PMID: 37813775 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2023.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Models of integrated, multidisciplinary care are optimal in the setting of complex, chronic diseases and in the overlap of medical and mental health disease, both of which apply to alcohol-related liver disease (ALD). Alcohol use disorder (AUD) drives nearly all cases of ALD, and coexisting mental health disease is common. ALD is a complex condition with severe clinical manifestations and high mortality that can occasionally lead to liver transplantation. As a result, integrated care for ALD is an attractive proposition. The aim of this narrative review was to: (1) review the overlapping and concerning trends in the epidemiology of AUD and ALD; (2) use a theoretical framework for integrated care known as the "five-component model" as a basis to highlight the need for integrated care and the overlapping clinical manifestations and management of the 2 conditions; and (3) review the existing applications of integrated care in this area. METHODS We performed a narrative review of epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and management strategies in AUD and ALD, with a particular focus on areas of overlap that are pertinent to clinicians who manage each disease. Previously published models were reviewed for integrating care in AUD and ALD, both in the general ALD population and in the setting of liver transplantation. FINDINGS The incidences of AUD and ALD are rising, with a pronounced acceleration driven by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic. Hepatologists are underprepared to diagnose and treat AUD despite its high prevalence in patients with liver disease. A patient who presents with overlapping clinical manifestations of both AUD and ALD may not fit neatly into typical treatment paradigms for each individual disease but rather will require new management strategies that are appropriately adapted. As a result, the dimensions of integrated care, including collective ownership of shared goals, interdependence among providers, flexibility of roles, and newly created professional activities, are highly pertinent to the holistic management of both diseases. IMPLICATIONS Integrated care models have proliferated as recognition grows of the dual pathology of AUD and ALD. Ongoing coordination across disciplines and research in the fields of hepatology and addiction medicine are needed to further elucidate optimal mechanisms for collaboration and improved quality of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hersh Shroff
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
| | - Heather Gallagher
- Substance Treatment and Recovery Program, University of North Carolina Hospital, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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8
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Kim SH, Jang Y, Kim H. Concept and risk factors of alcohol relapse in liver transplant recipients with alcohol-related aetiologies: A scoping review. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2023; 32:1583-1597. [PMID: 37475208 DOI: 10.1111/inm.13196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol relapse in those who received liver transplantation (LT) for alcohol-related liver disease can lead to poor graft function, low medication adherence rates and decreased chances of survival. Numerous studies have evaluated on this topic; however, discrepancies in the meaning and measurement of 'alcohol relapse' lead to heterogeneous results. This scoping review aimed to explore the conceptual and operational definitions of alcohol relapse in LT recipients with alcohol-related aetiologies and to examine newly reported risk factors of alcohol relapse. Following the Arksey and O'Malley scoping review method and PRISMA guidelines, structured searches for articles published from 2012 to 2022 were conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane and PsycINFO. Twenty-eight studies were included in the final review. Alcohol relapse was either defined as 'any alcohol consumption' or 'a certain degree of alcohol drinking' after transplantation. Discrepancies in the incidence rates persisted even within studies that shared the same conceptual definition. Commonly reported risk factors for alcohol relapse were younger age, social isolation and shorter abstinence periods before LT. Self-efficacy and post-transplant complications were newly identified risk factors in recent studies; whereas environmental factors such as external stressors were rarely included. The variance in the definition of alcohol relapse and inconsistent identification methods make it difficult to organize a structured interventional study. A standardized stratification of post-LT alcohol relapse behaviour is needed to prior to implementing interventions that employ a harm minimization approach. Cost-effective interventions promoting self-efficacy could enable the prevention and management of alcohol relapse after LT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yeonsoo Jang
- College of Nursing·Mo-im Kim Nursing Research Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyunji Kim
- College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
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9
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Daniel J, Dumortier J, Del Bello A, Gamon L, Molinari N, Faure S, Meszaros M, Ursic-Bedoya J, Meunier L, Monet C, Navarro F, Boillot O, Pageaux GP, Donnadieu-Rigole H. Integrating an addiction team into the management of patients transplanted for alcohol-associated liver disease reduces the risk of severe relapse. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100832. [PMID: 37681206 PMCID: PMC10480527 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Liver transplantation (LT) is a last resort treatment for patients at high risk of mortality from end-stage liver disease. Over the past years, alcohol-associated liver disease has become the most frequent indication for LT in the world. The outcomes of LT for alcohol-associated liver disease are good, but return to alcohol use is detrimental for medium-term survival because of cancer development, cardiovascular events, and recurrent alcohol-associated cirrhosis. Several strategies have been developed to prevent return to alcohol use during the pre- or post-LT period, but there are no specific recommendations. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to investigate if the integration of an addiction team in a LT unit affected the rate of severe alcohol relapse after LT. The secondary objectives were to assess the effects of addiction follow up on cardiovascular events, cancer, and overall survival. Methods This study was a retrospective comparison between centres with or without addiction monitoring. Results The study included 611 patients of which 79.4% were male with a mean age of 55.4 years at the time of LT, 190 were managed by an integrated addiction team. The overall alcohol relapse rate was 28.9% and the rate of severe relapse was 13.0%. Patients with addiction follow-up had significantly less frequent severe alcohol relapse than those in the control group (p = 0.0218). Addiction follow up (odds ratio = 0.19; p = 0.001) and age at LT (odds ratio = 1.23; p = 0.02) remained significantly associated with post-LT cardiovascular events. Conclusions Our study confirms the benefits of integrating an addiction team to reduce return to alcohol use after LT. Clinical Trials registration This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04964687). Impact and implications The main indication for liver transplantation is alcohol-associated cirrhosis. There are currently no specific recommendations on the addiction monitoring of transplant candidates, although severe return to alcohol use after liver transplantation has a negative impact on long-term survival of patients. In this study, we explored the impact of a systematic addiction intervention on the return to alcohol use rates. In our transplantation centre, we demonstrated the interest of an addiction follow up to limit the severe alcohol relapses rate. This information should be further investigated in prospective studies to validate these data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jules Daniel
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Department, Saint Eloi Hospital, University Hospital of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Jérôme Dumortier
- Fédération des Spécialités Digestives, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Hospices Civils de Lyon et Université Claude Bernard, Lyon, France
| | - Arnaud Del Bello
- Nephrology and Organ Transplant Department, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Lucie Gamon
- Medical Information Department, La Colombière Hospital, University Hospital of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Nicolas Molinari
- Medical Information Department, La Colombière Hospital, University Hospital of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Medical University of Montpellier (UM1), Montpellier, France
| | - Stéphanie Faure
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Department, Saint Eloi Hospital, University Hospital of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Magdalena Meszaros
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Department, Saint Eloi Hospital, University Hospital of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - José Ursic-Bedoya
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Department, Saint Eloi Hospital, University Hospital of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Lucy Meunier
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Department, Saint Eloi Hospital, University Hospital of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Clément Monet
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Montpellier, St-Eloi Hospital, University of Montpellier, PhyMedExp, INSERM U1046, CNRS UMR, Montpellier, France
| | - Francis Navarro
- Medical University of Montpellier (UM1), Montpellier, France
- Department of Digestive Surgery, University Hospital of Montpellier, St-Eloi Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Olivier Boillot
- Fédération des Spécialités Digestives, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Hospices Civils de Lyon et Université Claude Bernard, Lyon, France
| | - Georges-Philippe Pageaux
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Department, Saint Eloi Hospital, University Hospital of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Medical University of Montpellier (UM1), Montpellier, France
| | - Hélène Donnadieu-Rigole
- Medical University of Montpellier (UM1), Montpellier, France
- Addictions Department, Saint Eloi Hospital, University Hospital of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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10
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Binder A, Fenchel J, Lang I, Batra A. The dual role dilemma of liver transplantation health care professionals. BMC Med Ethics 2023; 24:46. [PMID: 37403151 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-023-00923-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Similar to many other countries, in Germany patients with alcohol-related liver disease are obliged to prove their abstinence before being accepted on a waitlist for liver transplantation. Health care professionals (HCPs) must both treat patients and ensure that patients have proven their abstinence. The aim of this exploratory study was to develop a deeper understanding of how HCPs deal with this dual role. METHODS The study used semi-structured interviews as the source of data. 11 healthcare professionals from ten of the 22 German transplant centers were interviewed. After transcription, a qualitative content analysis was performed. RESULTS We found that these HCPs faced an ethical dilemma, as they must balance the roles of being both a treatment provider (the therapist role) and an assessor (the monitoring role). To solve this dilemma, the strategy seems to be a tendency for the HCPs to take on one dominant role amongst these two roles. HCPs who prefer to take on the therapist role seem to feel burdened by the 6-month abstinence rule and the obligation to monitor their patients. HCPs who prefer to take on the monitoring role tend to have negative assumptions about the patients. HCPs also reported the impression that patients perceive HCPs as more involved in monitoring and less open to the therapeutic role. From this it can be deduced that current regulations and structures lead both to stress for HCPs and to suboptimal therapy for those affected. CONCLUSIONS The results showed that current transplantation guidelines can have a negative impact on both patient care and the burdens on the HCPs. From our point of view, there are various changes that could be made to the current clinical practice that would help solve this dilemma. For instance, integrating other assessment criteria that are more closely adapted to the health status trajectory and psychosocial background of the individual patient would be both possible and would lead to improvements in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Binder
- Department of General Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Addiction Medicine and Addiction Research Section, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Julia Fenchel
- Department of General Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Addiction Medicine and Addiction Research Section, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Immanuel Lang
- Department of General Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Addiction Medicine and Addiction Research Section, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Anil Batra
- Department of General Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Addiction Medicine and Addiction Research Section, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
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Terrault NA, Francoz C, Berenguer M, Charlton M, Heimbach J. Liver Transplantation 2023: Status Report, Current and Future Challenges. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 21:2150-2166. [PMID: 37084928 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Liver transplantation offers live-saving therapy for patients with complications of cirrhosis and stage T2 hepatocellular carcinoma. The demand for organs far outstrips the supply, and innovations aimed at increasing the number of usable deceased donors as well as alternative donor sources are a major focus. The etiologies of cirrhosis are shifting over time, with more need for transplantation among patients with alcohol-associated liver disease and nonalcoholic/metabolic fatty liver disease and less for viral hepatitis, although hepatitis B remains an important indication for transplant in countries with high endemicity. The rise in transplantation for alcohol-associated liver disease and nonalcoholic/metabolic fatty liver disease has brought attention to how patients are selected for transplantation and the strategies needed to prevent recurrent disease. In this review, we present a status report on the most pressing topics in liver transplantation and future challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norah A Terrault
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Claire Francoz
- Liver Intensive Care and Liver Transplantation Unit, Hepatology, Hospital Beaujon, Clichy, France
| | - Marina Berenguer
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Unit, Hospital Universitario la Fe - IIS La Fe Valencia; CiberEHD and University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Michael Charlton
- Transplantation Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Julie Heimbach
- William von Liebig Center for Transplantation, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota
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12
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Leggio L, Mellinger JL. Alcohol use disorder in community management of chronic liver diseases. Hepatology 2023; 77:1006-1021. [PMID: 35434815 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Rising rates of alcohol use disorder (AUD) combined with increases in alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) and other liver disease have resulted in the need to develop alcohol management strategies at all levels of patient care. For those with pre-existing liver disease, whether ALD or others, attention to alcohol use treatment and abstinence becomes critical to avoiding worsening liver-related consequences. Modalities to help patients reduce or stop alcohol include screening/brief intervention/referral to treatment, various therapeutic modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy and 12-step facilitation, and alcohol relapse prevention medications. Harm reduction approaches versus total abstinence may be considered, but for those with existing ALD, particularly advanced ALD (cirrhosis or acute alcoholic hepatitis), total abstinence from alcohol is the recommendation, given clear data that ongoing alcohol use worsens mortality and liver-related morbidity. For certain populations, alcohol cessation is even more critically important. For those with hepatitis C or NAFLD, alcohol use accelerates negative liver-related outcomes. In women, alcohol use accelerates liver damage and results in worsened liver-related mortality. Efforts to integrate AUD and liver disease care are urgently needed and can occur at several levels, with establishment of multidisciplinary ALD clinics for fully integrated co-management as an important goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section , Translational Addiction Medicine Branch , National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism , National Institutes of Health , Baltimore and Bethesda , Maryland , USA
- Medication Development Program , National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program , National Institutes of Health , Baltimore , Maryland , USA
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies , Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences , School of Public Health , Brown University , Providence , Rhode Island , USA
- Division of Addiction Medicine , Department of Medicine , School of Medicine , Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore , Maryland , USA
- Department of Neuroscience , Georgetown University Medical Center , Washington , DC , USA
| | - Jessica L Mellinger
- Department of Internal Medicine , Michigan Medicine , Ann Arbor , Michigan , USA
- Department of Psychiatry , Michigan Medicine , Ann Arbor , Michigan , USA
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13
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Simultaneous Management of Alcohol Use Disorder and Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Addict Med 2023; 17:e119-e128. [PMID: 36259647 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000001084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Management of alcohol use disorder (AUD) is rarely used in patients with liver disease. We performed a systematic review to examine the impact of AUD management among patients with liver disease. METHODS Twenty studies fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria on 38,329 patients (7072 receiving AUD intervention) with liver disease (15 with liver disease and 6 liver transplant [LT] recipients) were analyzed. One study was common to both groups. Variable follow-up period across studies was weighted for sample size and converting to person-years. Primary outcome was alcohol use, and secondary outcomes were liver decompensation and patient mortality. RESULTS Abstinence and alcohol relapse rates/person-year with AUD intervention among liver disease patients were 0.41 (0.27-0.55) and 0.42 (0.30-0.755), similar for integrated (colocated liver and addiction clinics) versus concomitant (separate hepatology and addiction clinics) intervention. Compared with standard of care, odds for decompensation with AUD intervention (n = 1), 30-day readmission (n = 1), and patient mortality (n = 2) were lower by 44%, 59%, and 58% respectively. Similar figures were 1.24 (0.86-1.80) for abstinence and 0.52 (0.24-0.14) for relapse. Among LT recipients, odds for alcohol relapse and mortality with follow-up integrated with addiction team versus hepatology alone were 0.48 (0.25-0.72) and 0.29 (0.08-0.99), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Follow-up of LT recipients in an integrated clinic with addiction team is associated with improved outcomes. Simultaneous management of AUD in patients with liver disease improves liver-related outcomes. Large prospective studies are needed to examine benefits of AUD intervention in patients with liver disease.
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14
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Louvet A, Bourcier V, Archambeaud I, d'Alteroche L, Chaffaut C, Oberti F, Moreno C, Roulot D, Dao T, Moirand R, Duclos-Vallée JC, Goria O, Nguyen-Khac E, Pol S, Carbonell N, Gournay J, Elkrief L, Fouchard-Hubert I, Chevret S, Ganne-Carrié N. Low alcohol consumption influences outcomes in individuals with alcohol-related compensated cirrhosis in a French multicenter cohort. J Hepatol 2023; 78:501-512. [PMID: 36423805 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The harmful impact of heavy alcohol consumption and recurrence in patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis is long-established, although this is based on old studies. However, the drivers of long-term outcome still need to be clearly investigated. METHOD All patients with biopsy-proven compensated alcohol-related cirrhosis included in the CIRRAL cohort (22 centers) were prospectively studied. Prognostic variables of survival and liver event-free survival were assessed using multivariable Cox models with stepwise selection. The prognostic impact of alcohol recurrence during follow-up (computed in glass-years in the same way as pack-years for tobacco) was assessed using a time-dependent covariable. RESULTS From 2010 to 2016, 650 patients were included. The median age at baseline was 58.4 years, 67.4% were men and the median BMI was 27.8 kg/m2, 63.8% had a history of liver decompensation, and 70.2% had discontinued alcohol. At 5 years, recurrence occurred in 30.9% of abstinent patients and this risk was higher in patients with a history of drug abuse and in those with shorter alcohol discontinuation times. Median survival was 97 months. Age, alcohol consumption at baseline, platelet count and Child-Pugh score >5 were associated with overall and liver event-free survival on multivariate analysis. Alcohol consumption of more than 25 glass-years during follow-up was independently associated with lower survival and with a trend toward lower liver event-free survival, with the risk increasing from 1 glass-year, though not significantly. Simon & Makuch plots confirm the benefit of no alcohol consumption (<1 glass/week) on both outcomes and the dose-dependent impact of alcohol over time. CONCLUSION This prospective study in patients with compensated alcohol-related cirrhosis identifies factors predictive of alcohol recurrence during follow-up and shows that moderate alcohol consumption during follow-up negatively impacts outcomes. Patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis should be advised to completely stop drinking alcohol. REGISTRATION CIRRAL (NCT01213927) cohort was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov and the full protocol is available at the following link: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01213927. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS In patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis, data are lacking about the impact of the amount of alcohol consumed on both survival and liver-related events. The present study based on the CIRRAL cohort demonstrates that alcohol recurrence occurs in more than 30% of patients with compensated cirrhosis and that even a moderate recurrence strongly influences outcomes. Patients with compensated alcohol-related cirrhosis should be advised to completely discontinue alcohol consumption, even in small amounts, as the present study shows that no alcohol consumption can be regarded as safe when cirrhosis has developed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valérie Bourcier
- AP-HP, Hôpital Avicenne, Service d'Hépatologie, Bobigny, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny et INSERM U1138, Université de Paris, France
| | | | | | - Cendrine Chaffaut
- SBIM, APHP, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, Inserm, UMR-1153, ECSTRRA Team, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Dominique Roulot
- AP-HP, Hôpital Avicenne, Service d'Hépatologie, Bobigny, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny et INSERM U1138, Université de Paris, France; Inserm U955 Université Paris Est, Créteil, France
| | - Thông Dao
- Liver Unit, University Hospital, Caen, France
| | | | | | - Odile Goria
- Liver Unit, University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | | | - Stanislas Pol
- Liver Unit, Hôpital Cochin, INSERM U1223, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Sylvie Chevret
- SBIM, APHP, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, Inserm, UMR-1153, ECSTRRA Team, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Ganne-Carrié
- AP-HP, Hôpital Avicenne, Service d'Hépatologie, Bobigny, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny et INSERM U1138, Université de Paris, France.
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15
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Weiss E, Kabacam G, Gorvin L, Spiro M, Raptis DA, Keskin O, Orloff S, Belghiti J. The role of preoperative psychosocial counseling on the improvement of the recipient compliance and speed of recovery after liver transplantation - A systematic review of the literature and expert panel recommendations. Clin Transplant 2022; 36:e14632. [PMID: 35253275 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.14632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychosocial disorders ranging from anxiety to severe psychiatric diseases and active alcohol/substance abuse are frequent in liver transplant candidates and potentially associated with worse post- transplant outcomes. Therefore, psychosocial evaluation is mandatory to optimize success after liver transplantation. However, how to carry out this evaluation, the type of intervention needed and its potential impact on patient outcome remain unclear. OBJECTIVES To investigate whether psychosocial assessment may help in predicting risks of poor outcome; and to investigate whether psychosocial interventions may mitigate these risks and improve posttransplant outcomes, in particular compliance and speed of recovery. DATA SOURCES Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Central. METHODS Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines and recommendations using the GRADE approach derived from an international expert panel. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO CRD42021238361. Main outcomes assessed were mortality, alcohol relapse, rejection, and medication compliance. RESULTS Fifteen studies were analyzed including five observational comparative and ten observational noncomparative studies. Preoperative psychosocial evaluation of LT candidates was associated with higher concordance with the treatment plan (i.e., higher adherence to treatment and lower alcohol relapse) and lower rates of rejection. Psychosocial assessment tools were used in some studies to guide the evaluation, but their predictive ability remains debated, and they should not be used in isolation. Most of the interventions were studied in patients with alcohol related issues. In this context, support by specialized teams was associated with better posttransplant outcome, especially through a decrease in post-transplant alcohol relapse. CONCLUSIONS Preoperative psychosocial assessment should be provided in order to detect patients at increased risk of poorer post-transplant outcome, in particular in terms of concordance to the treatment plan (Quality of Evidence; Low | Grade of Recommendation; Strong/For). The experts suggest that, when possible, provision of preoperative psychological assessment and concomitant interventions aimed at improving the concordance to treatment plans will positively impact the success of liver transplantation. (Quality of Evidence; Very Low | Grade of Recommendation; Strong/For].
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Weiss
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Beaujon Hospital, DMU Parabol, AP-HP.Nord and Paris University, Clichy, France
| | - Gokhan Kabacam
- Division of Internal Medicine, Yuksek Ihtisas University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.,Department of Gastroenterology, Guven Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Lucy Gorvin
- Liver Transplant Psychology, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Michael Spiro
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.,Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Dimitri Aristotle Raptis
- Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK.,Clinical Service of HPB Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Onur Keskin
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Susan Orloff
- Department of Surgery, Division of Abdominal Organ Transplantation/Hepatobiliary Surgery, Portland, Oregon, USA
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16
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Tarli C, Mirijello A, Addolorato G. Treating Alcohol Use Disorder in Patients with Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease: Controversies in Pharmacological Therapy. Semin Liver Dis 2022; 42:138-150. [PMID: 35292951 DOI: 10.1055/a-1798-2872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is one of the main causes of global death and disability. The liver represents the main target of alcohol damage, and alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) represents the first cause of liver cirrhosis in Western countries. Alcohol abstinence is the main goal of treatment in AUD patients with ALD, as treatments for ALD are less effective when drinking continues. Moreover, the persistence of alcohol consumption is associated with higher mortality, increased need for liver transplantation, and graft loss. The most effective treatment for AUD is the combination of psychosocial interventions, pharmacological therapy, and medical management. However, the effectiveness of these treatments in patients with ALD is doubtful even because AUD patients with ALD are usually excluded from pharmacological trials due to concerns on liver safety. This narrative review will discuss the treatment options for AUD-ALD patients focusing on controversies in pharmacological therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tarli
- Internal Medicine and Alcohol Related Disease Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Columbus-Gemelli Hospital, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Mirijello
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Addolorato
- Internal Medicine and Alcohol Related Disease Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Columbus-Gemelli Hospital, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Hepatology and Gastroenterology Unit, Catholic University of Rome, l.go Gemelli, Rome, Italy.,Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Columbus-Gemelli Hospital, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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17
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DiMartini AF, Leggio L, Singal AK. Barriers to the management of alcohol use disorder and alcohol-associated liver disease: strategies to implement integrated care models. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 7:186-195. [DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(21)00191-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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18
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Integration of addiction treatment and behavioral therapies in comprehensive liver transplantation care to augment adherence and reduce alcohol relapse. JOURNAL OF LIVER TRANSPLANTATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.liver.2021.100061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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19
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Management of alcohol use disorder in patients with cirrhosis in the setting of liver transplantation. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 19:45-59. [PMID: 34725498 PMCID: PMC8559139 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-021-00527-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of alcohol use disorder (AUD) has been steadily increasing over the past decade. In parallel, alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) has been increasing at an alarming rate, especially among young patients. Data suggest that most patients with ALD do not receive AUD therapy. Although liver transplantation is the only curative therapy for end-stage ALD, transplant candidacy is often a matter of debate given concerns about patients being under-treated for AUD and fears of post-transplantation relapse affecting the allograft. In this Review, we discuss diagnosis, predictors and effects of relapse, behavioural therapies and pharmacotherapies, and we also propose an integrative, multidisciplinary and multimodality approach for treating AUD in patients with cirrhosis, especially in the setting of liver transplantation. Notably, this approach takes into account the utility of AUD pharmacotherapy in patients on immunosuppressive medications and those with renal impairment after liver transplantation. We also propose a comprehensive and objective definition of relapse utilizing contemporary biomarkers to guide future clinical trials. Future research using the proposed approach and definition is warranted with the goal of optimizing AUD treatment in patients with cirrhosis, the transplant selection process and post-transplantation care of patients with AUD.
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20
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Im GY, Mellinger JL, Winters A, Aby ES, Lominadze Z, Rice J, Lucey MR, Arab JP, Goel A, Jophlin LL, Sherman CB, Parker R, Chen PH, Devuni D, Sidhu S, Dunn W, Szabo G, Singal AK, Shah VH. Provider Attitudes and Practices for Alcohol Screening, Treatment, and Education in Patients With Liver Disease: A Survey From the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease Special Interest Group. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 19:2407-2416.e8. [PMID: 33069880 PMCID: PMC8291372 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2020.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS While abstinence-promoting behavioral and pharmacotherapies are part of the therapeutic foundation for alcohol use disorder (AUD) and alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), these therapies, along with alcohol screening and education, are often underutilized. Our aim was to examine provider attitudes and practices for alcohol screening, treatment and education in patients with liver disease. METHODS We conducted a survey of primarily (89%) hepatology and gastroenterology providers within (80%) and outside the United States (20%). Surveys were sent to 921 providers with 408 complete responses (44%), of whom 343 (80%) work in a tertiary liver transplant center. RESULTS While alcohol screening rates in liver disease patients was nearly universal, less than half of providers reported practicing with integrated addiction providers, using alcohol biomarkers and screening tools. Safe alcohol use by liver disease patients was felt to exist by 40% of providers. While 60% of providers reported referring AUD patients for behavioral therapy, 71% never prescribed AUD pharmacotherapy due to low comfort (84%). Most providers (77%) reported low addiction education and 90% desired more during GI/hepatology fellowship training. Amongst prescribers, baclofen was preferred, but with gaps in pharmacotherapy knowledge. Overall, there was low adherence to the 2019 AASLD practice guidance for ALD, although higher in hepatologists and experienced providers. CONCLUSIONS While our survey of hepatology and gastroenterology providers demonstrated higher rates of alcohol screening and referrals for behavioral therapy, we found low rates of prescribing AUD pharmacotherapy due to knowledge gaps from insufficient education. Further studies are needed to assess interventions to improve provider alignment with best practices for treating patients with AUD and ALD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gene Y Im
- Division of Liver Diseases, Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.
| | - Jessica L Mellinger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Adam Winters
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Elizabeth S Aby
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Zurabi Lominadze
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - John Rice
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Michael R Lucey
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Juan P Arab
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Aparna Goel
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Loretta L Jophlin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Courtney B Sherman
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Richard Parker
- Leeds Liver Unit, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Po-Hung Chen
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Deepika Devuni
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Sandeep Sidhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Winston Dunn
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Gyongyi Szabo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ashwani K Singal
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Avera McKennan University Hospital Transplant Institute, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
| | - Vijay H Shah
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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21
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Avanceña AL, Miller N, Uttal SE, Hutton DW, Mellinger JL. Cost-effectiveness of alcohol use treatments in patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis. J Hepatol 2021; 74:1286-1294. [PMID: 33326815 PMCID: PMC8177741 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Alcohol use treatment such as medication-assisted therapies (MATs) and counseling are available and effective in promoting alcohol abstinence. We sought to explore the cost-effectiveness of different alcohol use treatments among patients with compensated alcohol-related cirrhosis (AC). METHODS We simulated a cohort of patients with compensated AC receiving care from a hepatology clinic over their lifetimes. We estimated costs (in 2017 US$) and benefits in terms of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained from healthcare and societal perspectives. Transition probabilities, costs, and health utility weights were taken from the literature. Treatment effects of FDA-approved MATs (acamprosate and naltrexone) and non-FDA approved MATs (baclofen, gabapentin, and topiramate) and counseling were based on a study of employer-insured patients with AC. We calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) and performed one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses to understand the impact of parameter uncertainty. RESULTS Compared to a do-nothing scenario, MATs and counseling were found to be cost-saving from a healthcare perspective, which means that they provide more benefits with less costs than no intervention. Compared to other interventions, acamprosate and naltrexone cost the least and provide the most QALYs. If the effectiveness of MATs and counseling decreased, these interventions would still be cost-effective based on the commonly used $100,000 per QALY gained threshold. Several sensitivity and scenario analyses showed that our main findings are robust. CONCLUSIONS Among patients with compensated AC, MATs and counseling are extremely cost-effective, and in some cases cost-saving, interventions to prevent decompensation and improve health. Health policies (e.g. payer reimbursement) should emphasize and appropriately compensate for these interventions. LAY SUMMARY Alcohol use treatments, including physician counseling and medication-assisted therapies (MATs), improve the outcomes of patients with compensated alcohol-related cirrhosis, though use and access have remained suboptimal. In this study, we found that counseling and MATs are extremely cost-effective, and in some cases cost-saving, interventions to help patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis abstain from alcohol and improve their health. Wider use of these interventions should be encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton L.V. Avanceña
- Department of Health Management and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA,Corresponding author: Anton Avanceña, Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, SPH II, Ann Arbor, MI 48109. . Phone: +1-734-0287. Fax: +1-734-764-4338
| | - Nicholas Miller
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sarah E. Uttal
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - David W. Hutton
- Department of Health Management and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA,Department of Industrial and Operations Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jessica L. Mellinger
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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22
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Mental health and addiction service use among United States veterans with liver disease nationally in the Veterans Health Administration. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC MENTAL HEALTH 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/jpmh-07-2020-0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
While many studies have shown that liver diseases (LD) can be caused or exacerbated by substance use disorders (SUD), few have examined the proportion of adults with LD and SUD who receive mental health and addiction treatment or correlates of such use.
Design/methodology/approach
Using national Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 data from the United States Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the authors studied all 43,246 veterans diagnosed with both LD and SUD in FY 2012 and compared those who received mental health treatment (n = 30,456; 70.4%) to those who did not (n = 12,790; 29.6%).
Findings
Veterans who received mental health treatment were less like to be older than 75 years of age, more likely to have served during recent Middle East conflicts (Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom), more likely to have been recently homeless and to have drug dependence as contrasted with alcohol dependence when compared with those who did not receive mental health treatment. Although the majority, 70.4%, received mental health treatment, only 30.6% of the total received specialized addiction treatment, and these veterans were more likely to experience homelessness and have drug dependence diagnoses.
Originality/value
This is the first study as per the authors’ best knowledge that broadly examines mental health and addiction treatment received by veterans with LD and SUD. High rates of mental health treatment in this population likely reflect the integrated nature of the VHA and its emphasis on providing comprehensive services to homeless veterans. Further research is needed to identify barriers to specialized addiction treatment in this population.
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23
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Syed A, Sadler MD, Borman MA, Burak KW, Congly SE. Assessment of Canadian policies regarding liver transplant candidacy of people who use alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and opiates. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2020; 3:372-380. [PMID: 35990508 PMCID: PMC9202737 DOI: 10.3138/canlivj.2020-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND When last assessed in 2013, all Canadian liver transplant programs required 6 months of abstinence from alcohol. New studies have questioned the validity of this policy. Moreover, with recreational cannabis now legal in Canada, more transplant candidates may use cannabis. Given these changes, our objective was to obtain an understanding of current Canadian practices regarding liver transplantation and candidates with addiction or alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, or opiate use. METHODS Electronic surveys were distributed to the medical directors of all seven adult liver transplant programs in Canada. Questions were based on either a Likert-scale ranking or free response. The complete data set was aggregated to provide a national perspective on this topic and ensure each individual program remained anonymous. RESULTS All seven programs responded to the survey. Of these programs, 43% always require 6-month abstinence from alcohol, 29% usually require it, and 14% sometimes require it. Formal alcohol rehabilitation is mandatory in two programs. The majority (57%) of programs never or rarely consider transplant for patients with acute alcoholic hepatitis; 29% require smoking cessation before consideration for transplant; and 71% felt that cannabis use is rarely or never a contraindication to liver transplantation. CONCLUSIONS Significantly more Canadian programs now perform liver transplant for patients who have less than 6 months abstinence from alcohol, and alcoholic hepatitis is no longer an absolute contraindication in Canada. Policies on smoking and opiates are quite variable. Further study and discussion are critical for development of national policies to obtain equitable access to liver transplant for all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahsan Syed
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Matthew D Sadler
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Meredith A Borman
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kelly W Burak
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Stephen E Congly
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- O’Brien Institute of Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Winder GS, Shenoy A, Dew MA, DiMartini AF. Alcohol and other substance use after liver transplant. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 2020; 46-47:101685. [PMID: 33158473 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpg.2020.101685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
In this article we tackle the controversial subject of alcohol and other substance use following liver transplantation (LT). Most of the literature on and importance of this topic pertains not to recreational use of alcohol or substances but to patients who have alcohol or substance use disorders (AUDs/SUDs). To understand these behaviors after such a lifesaving and resource-intensive procedure as LT necessitates an understanding of these disorders as chronic medical diseases. It also requires an awareness that management of these disorders begins before transplant, so we will briefly touch on considerations to prepare patients for the transplantation. Additionally, we review not only the rates of alcohol and substance use post-LT but strategies clinicians could adopt to identify and manage these events post-LT. Thus, we will summarize approaches for monitoring use and a range of therapeutic treatment options, including pharmacotherapy, to employ once use is discovered. While clinical gastroenterologists may be the primary clinicians responsible for the care of LT recipients, we emphasize a multidisciplinary team approach which, especially for the behavioral health components of the treatment, is likely to be the most successful. This article concludes with a summary of recommendations for clinicians working with these patients and possible future directions for both clinical care and research. While the bulk of the literature is on LT in the context of AUD, we review the smaller body of literature available on non-alcohol substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald Scott Winder
- Departments of Psychiatry and Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Akhil Shenoy
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, 622 West 168th Street, PH14-105, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Mary Amanda Dew
- Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology, Epidemiology, Nursing, Biostatistics and Clinical and Translational Science, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
| | - Andrea F DiMartini
- Departments of Psychiatry, Surgery and Clinical and Translational Science, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
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Im GY, Neuberger J. Debate on Selection Criteria for Liver Transplantation for Alcoholic Hepatitis: Tighten or Loosen? Liver Transpl 2020; 26:916-921. [PMID: 32614520 DOI: 10.1002/lt.25783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Although liver transplantation (LT) for alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is a well-accepted practice, LT for severe alcoholic hepatitis (AH) remains controversial due to concerns about the limited organ supply and the risk of return to harmful drinking. Recognizing an increasing body of favorable evidence, a convergence of practice guideline recommendations from leading hepatology and gastroenterology societies have suggested that the length of abstinence should not be a sole criterion for LT selection and, thus, that LT may be considered in carefully selected severe AH patients with favorable psychosocial profiles not responding to medical therapy. We sought to examine this new consensus in greater detail, debating whether candidate selection criteria for LT in AH should be tightened or loosened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gene Y Im
- Division of Liver Diseases, Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - James Neuberger
- Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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26
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Liver transplantation in patients with alcohol-related liver disease: current status and future directions. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 5:507-514. [DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(19)30451-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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