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Schiano TD, Ganger D. The future of liver transplantation in the United States: Ongoing optimism and concerns with a prescription for change. Liver Transpl 2024; 30:1072-1077. [PMID: 38713029 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas D Schiano
- Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Daniel Ganger
- Northwestern Medicine Organ Transplantation Center, Northwestern University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Rutledge SM, Nathani R, Wyatt BE, Eschbach E, Trivedi P, Kerznerman S, Chu L, Schiano TD, Kim-Schluger L, Florman S, Im GY. Age added to MELD or ACLF predicts survival in patients with alcohol-associated hepatitis declined for liver transplantation. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0514. [PMID: 39167426 PMCID: PMC11340926 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000514] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) that is nonresponsive to corticosteroids is associated with high mortality, particularly with concomitant acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). Most patients will not be candidates for liver transplantation (LT) and their outcomes are largely unknown. Our aim was to determine the outcomes of these declined candidates and to derive practical prediction models for transplant-free survival applicable at the time of the waitlist decision. METHODS We analyzed a database of patients with severe AH who were hospitalized at a LT center from January 2012 to July 2021, using the National Death Index for those lacking follow-up. Clinical variables were analyzed based on the endpoints of mortality at 30, 60, 90, and 180 days. Logistic and Cox regression analyses were used for model derivation. RESULTS Over 9.5 years, 206 patients with severe AH were declined for LT, mostly for unfavorable psychosocial profiles, with a mean MELD of 33 (±8), and 61% with ACLF. Over a median follow-up of 521 (17.5-1368) days, 58% (119/206) died at a median of 21 (9-124) days. Of 32 variables, only age added prognostic value to MELD and ACLF grade. CLIF-C ACLF score and 2 new models, MELD-Age and ACLF-Age, had similar predictability (AUROC: 0.73, 0.73, 0.72, respectively), outperforming Lille and Maddrey's (AUROC: 0.63, 0.62). In internal cross-validation, the average AUROC was 0.74. ACLF grade ≥2, MELD score >35, and age >45 years were useful cutoffs for predicting increased 90-day mortality from waitlist decision. Only two patients initially declined for LT for AH subsequently underwent LT (1%). CONCLUSIONS Patients with severe AH declined for LT have high short-term mortality and rare rates of subsequent LT. Age added to MELD or ACLF grade enhances survival prediction at the time of waitlist decision in patients with severe AH declined for LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M. Rutledge
- Department of Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases, Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rohit Nathani
- Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai Morningside and West, New York, New York, USA
| | - Brooke E. Wyatt
- Department of Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Erin Eschbach
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Parth Trivedi
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Stanley Kerznerman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases, Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lily Chu
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Thomas D. Schiano
- Department of Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases, Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Leona Kim-Schluger
- Department of Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases, Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sander Florman
- Department of Surgery, Division of Abdominal Transplantation, Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gene Y. Im
- Department of Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases, Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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Im GY, Goel A, Asrani S, Singal AK, Wall A, Sherman CB. Transplant selection simulation: Liver transplantation for alcohol-associated hepatitis. Liver Transpl 2024; 30:826-834. [PMID: 38009866 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000305] [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: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) for alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) remains controversial due to concerns about candidate selection subjectivity, post-LT alcohol relapse, and the potential exacerbation of LT disparities. Our aim was to design, perform, and examine the results of a simulated selection of candidates for LT for AH. Medical histories, psychosocial profiles and scores, and outcomes of 4 simulation candidates were presented and discussed at 2 multidisciplinary societal conferences with real-time polling of participant responses. Candidate psychosocial profiles represented a wide spectrum of alcohol relapse risk. The predictive accuracy of four psychosocial scores, Dallas consensus criteria, sustained alcohol use post-LT, Stanford Integrated Psychosocial Assessment for Transplant, and QuickTrans, were assessed. Overall, 68 providers, mostly academic transplant hepatologists, participated in the simulation. Using a democratic process of selection, a significant majority from both simulations voted to accept the lowest psychosocial risk candidate for LT (72% and 85%) and decline the highest risk candidate (78% and 90%). For the 2 borderline-risk candidates, a narrower majority voted to decline (56% and 65%; 64% and 82%). Two out of 4 patients had post-LT relapse. Predictive accuracies of Dallas, Stanford Integrated Psychosocial Assessment for Transplant, and Quicktrans scores were 50%, while sustained alcohol use post-LT was 25%. The majority of voting outcomes were concordant with post-LT relapse in 3 out of 4 patients. When defining "success" in LT for AH, providers prioritized allograft health and quality of life rather than strict abstinence. In this simulation of LT for AH using a democratic process of selection, we demonstrate its potential as a learning model to evaluate the accuracy of psychosocial scores in predicting post-LT relapse and the concordance of majority voting with post-LT outcomes. Provider definitions of "success" in LT for AH have shifted toward patient-centered outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gene Y Im
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Division of Liver Diseases, Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Aparna Goel
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Sumeet Asrani
- Baylor University Medical Center, Baylor Scott and White, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Ashwani K Singal
- University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Anji Wall
- Baylor University Medical Center, Baylor Scott and White, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Courtney B Sherman
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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Kulkarni AV, Wall A, Reddy KR, Bittermann T. Early living donor liver transplantation for alcohol-associated hepatitis: Status in the era of increasing demand, unmet needs, and future considerations. Liver Transpl 2024:01445473-990000000-00426. [PMID: 39073609 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000448] [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: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Hazardous alcohol consumption is the leading cause of liver disease worldwide. Alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) is an acute and serious presentation of alcohol-associated liver disease that is associated with high short-term mortality. Medical management remains limited to corticosteroid therapy and intensive nutrition but improves survival in <50% of individuals. Liver transplantation (LT) is increasingly recognized as a treatment option for many patients with AH and may lead to greater survival benefits than medical management alone. The rate of waitlistings and LTs for AH has doubled in recent years, especially in the United States. Several studies from the West have reported early LT for AH to be successful, where deceased donor LT is the norm. The challenges of LT in living donor centers, particularly for those with AH, are unique and have previously not been discussed in depth. In this review, we aim to discuss the challenges unique to LDLT with respect to candidate and donor selection, ethical considerations, disparities in LDLT, post-LT alcohol relapse, and measures to prevent them while also addressing the definitions and outcomes of early-living donor liver LT for AH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand V Kulkarni
- Department of Hepatology, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Anji Wall
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - K Rajender Reddy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Therese Bittermann
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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5
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Prakash S, Tanaka T. The landscape of inpatient admissions for alcoholic hepatitis in the era of early liver transplantation. Ann Hepatol 2024; 29:101169. [PMID: 37816470 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2023.101169] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Liver transplant (LT) is a recent option available in the United States (US) to treat those with severe, refractory alcoholic hepatitis (AH). We examined changes in clinical characteristics of patients admitted with AH and tracked hospital outcomes as practice changes involving LT have shifted. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using the National Inpatient Sample, we performed a cross-sectional analysis of patients admitted with AH during the years 2016-2020 in the US. Differences in clinical characteristics over time were assessed. To compare outcomes between 2016-2017 (when LT was less common) and 2018-2020 (when LT was more common), we conducted linear and logistic regression. Propensity-score matching was used to compare outcomes between patients with and without LT. RESULTS From 2016-2017 to 2018-2020, patients admitted with AH tended to have a higher frequency of infection (p = 0.006), hepatorenal syndrome (<0.001), and ascites (<0.001). Hospital costs and length of stay (LOS) were highest in transplant hospitals, and costs rose over time in both non-transplant (NT) teaching and non-teaching hospitals (p < 0.001). Mortality decreased in NT teaching hospitals [aOR 0.7 (95% CI: 0.6-0.8)] and slightly decreased in NT non-teaching hospitals [aOR 0.7 (95% CI: 0.5-1.0)]. In the propensity-matched cohort involving LT versus non-LT patients, there was a 10% absolute reduction in-hospital mortality, but this came at a higher cost (p < 0.001) and length of stay (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The severity of AH has been increasing over time, yet mortality has declined after adjusting for severity of disease. Patients who underwent LT survived; however, the healthcare burden of LT is substantial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahana Prakash
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States; Iowa City Veterans Administration Medical Center, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Tomohiro Tanaka
- Iowa City Veterans Administration Medical Center, Iowa City, IA, United States; Division of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States.
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Prince DS, Nash E, Liu K. Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease: Evolving Concepts and Treatments. Drugs 2023; 83:1459-1474. [PMID: 37747685 PMCID: PMC10624727 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-023-01939-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol is a prominent cause of liver disease worldwide with higher prevalence in developed nations. The spectrum of alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) encompasses a diverse range of clinical entities, from asymptomatic isolated steatosis to decompensated cirrhosis, and in some cases, acute or chronic liver failure. Consequently, it is important for healthcare practitioners to maintain awareness and systematically screen for ALD. The optimal evaluation and management of ALD necessitates a collaborative approach, incorporating a multidisciplinary team and accounting for concurrent medical conditions. A repertoire of therapeutic interventions exists to support patients in achieving alcohol cessation and sustaining remission, with complete abstinence being the ultimate objective. This review explores the existing therapeutic options for ALD acknowledging geographical discrepancies in accessibility. Recent innovations, including the inclusion of alcohol consumption biomarkers into clinical protocols and the expansion of liver transplantation eligibility to encompass severe alcohol-associated hepatitis, are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Stephen Prince
- AW Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Department of Gastroenterology and Liver, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Liver Injury and Cancer Program, Centenary Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- The Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Emily Nash
- AW Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ken Liu
- AW Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Liver Injury and Cancer Program, Centenary Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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7
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Germani G, D’Arcangelo F, Grasso M, Burra P. Advances and Controversies in Acute Alcohol-Related Hepatitis: From Medical Therapy to Liver Transplantation. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1802. [PMID: 37763206 PMCID: PMC10532507 DOI: 10.3390/life13091802] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol-related hepatitis (AH) is a clinical syndrome characterized by recent-onset jaundice in the context of alcohol consumption. In patients with severe AH "unresponsive" to steroid therapy, mortality rates exceed 70% within six months. According to European and American guidelines, liver transplantation (LT) may be considered in highly selected patients who do not respond to medical therapy. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize current knowledge from medical therapy to liver transplantation in acute alcohol-related hepatitis. Due to the impossibility to guarantee six-month abstinence, LT for AH is controversial. Principal concerns are related to organ scarcity in the subset of stigma of "alcohol use disorder" (AUD) and the risk of relapse to alcohol use after LT. Return to alcohol use after LT is a complex issue that cannot be assessed as a yes/no variable with heterogeneous results among studies. In conclusion, present data indicate that well-selected patients have excellent outcomes, with survival rates of up to 100% at 24 and 36 months after LT. Behavioral therapy, ongoing psychological support, and strong family support seem essential to improve long-term outcomes after LT and reduce the risk in relapse of alcohol use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Germani
- Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Azienda Ospedale—Università Padova, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
| | - Francesca D’Arcangelo
- Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Azienda Ospedale—Università Padova, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy; (F.D.); (M.G.); (P.B.)
| | - Marco Grasso
- Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Azienda Ospedale—Università Padova, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy; (F.D.); (M.G.); (P.B.)
| | - Patrizia Burra
- Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Azienda Ospedale—Università Padova, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy; (F.D.); (M.G.); (P.B.)
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Abstract
In recent years there has been a significant increase in the incidence of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). This syndrome is characterized by infections, organ failures, and high short-term mortality. Although progress in the management of these sick patients has been evident, liver transplantation (LT) remains the best treatment modality to date. Several studies have reported LT as a feasible option, despite organ failures. The outcomes following LT are inversely related to the grade of ACLF. This review discusses the current literature on the feasibility, futility, timing, and outcomes of LT in patients with ACLF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand V Kulkarni
- Department of Hepatology, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, Hyderabad-500032, India
| | - K Rajender Reddy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania, 2 Dulles, Liver Transplant Office 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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9
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Winder GS, Clifton EG, Fernandez AC, MacEachern M, Andrews S, Perumalswami P, DiMartini AF, Mellinger JL. Definition and measurement of alcohol-associated insight in early liver transplantation for acute alcohol-associated hepatitis: A systematic review. Liver Transpl 2023; 29:757-767. [PMID: 37016758 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol accounts for a large disease burden in hepatology and liver transplantation (LT) and across the globe. Clinical evaluations and decisions about LT candidacy are challenging because they rely on detailed psychosocial assessments and interpretations of psychiatric and substance use disorder data, which often must occur rapidly according to the acuity of end-stage liver disease. Such difficulties commonly occur during the process of candidate selection and liver allocation, particularly during early LT (eLT) in patients with acute alcohol-associated hepatitis (AAH). Patients with AAH commonly have very recent or active substance use, high short-term mortality, psychiatric comorbidities, and compressed evaluation and treatment timetables. LT clinicians report that patients' alcohol-associated insight (AAI) is among the most relevant psychosocial data in this population, yet no studies exist examining how LT teams define and use AAI in eLT or its effect on clinical outcomes. In April 2022, we searched Ovid MEDLINE, Elsevier Embase, EBSCOhost PsycInfo and CINAHL, and Wiley Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for reports describing AAH populations who underwent eLT, which also described psychosocial evaluation parameters. The searches retrieved 1603 unique reports. After eligibility screening, 8 were included in the qualitative analysis. This systematic review reveals that AAI is a poorly defined construct that is not measured in a standardized way. Yet it is a commonly cited parameter in articles that describe the psychosocial evaluation and decision-making of patients undergoing eLT for AAH. This article also discusses the general challenges of assessing AAI during eLT for AAH, existing AAI definitions and rating scales, how AAI has been used to date in the broader hepatology and LT literature, and future areas for clinical and research progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald Scott Winder
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Erin G Clifton
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Anne C Fernandez
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Mark MacEachern
- Taubman Health Sciences Library, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Sarah Andrews
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ponni Perumalswami
- Gastroenterology Section, Veterans Affairs, Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Andrea F DiMartini
- Departments of Psychiatry, Surgery, and Translational Science, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jessica L Mellinger
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Jagdish RK, Roy A, Kumar K, Premkumar M, Sharma M, Rao PN, Reddy DN, Kulkarni AV. Pathophysiology and management of liver cirrhosis: from portal hypertension to acute-on-chronic liver failure. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1060073. [PMID: 37396918 PMCID: PMC10311004 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1060073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cirrhosis transcends various progressive stages from compensation to decompensation driven by the severity of portal hypertension. The downstream effect of increasing portal hypertension severity leads to various pathophysiological pathways, which result in the cardinal complications of cirrhosis, including ascites, variceal hemorrhage, and hepatic encephalopathy. Additionally, the severity of portal hypertension is the central driver for further advanced complications of hyperdynamic circulation, hepatorenal syndrome, and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. The management of these individual complications has specific nuances which have undergone significant developments. In contrast to the classical natural history of cirrhosis and its complications which follows an insidious trajectory, acute-on-chronic failure (ACLF) leads to a rapidly downhill course with high short-term mortality unless intervened at the early stages. The management of ACLF involves specific interventions, which have quickly evolved in recent years. In this review, we focus on complications of portal hypertension and delve into an approach toward ACLF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Kumar Jagdish
- Department of Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Liver Transplant Medicine, Metro Hospital, Noida, India
| | - Akash Roy
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Gastrosciences and Liver Transplantation, Apollo Hospitals, Kolkata, India
| | - Karan Kumar
- Department of Hepatology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, India
| | - Madhumita Premkumar
- Department of Hepatology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Mithun Sharma
- Department of Hepatology, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG) Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Padaki Nagaraja Rao
- Department of Hepatology, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG) Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Duvvur Nageshwar Reddy
- Department of Hepatology, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG) Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Anand V. Kulkarni
- Department of Hepatology, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG) Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
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11
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Kulkarni AV, Reddy R, Arab JP, Sharma M, Shaik S, Iyengar S, Kumar N, Gupta R, Premkumar GV, Menon BP, Reddy DN, Rao PN, Reddy KR. Early Living Donor Liver Transplantation for Alcohol-Associated Hepatitis. Ann Hepatol 2023; 28:101098. [PMID: 37028597 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2023.101098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Lately, there has been a steady increase in early liver transplantation for alcohol-associated hepatitis (AAH). Although several studies have reported favorable outcomes with cadaveric early liver transplantation, the experiences with early living donor liver transplantation (eLDLT) are limited. The primary objective was to assess one-year survival in patients with AAH who underwent eLDLT. The secondary objectives were to describe the donor characteristics, assess the complications following eLDLT, and the rate of alcohol relapse. MATERIALS AND METHODS This single-center retrospective study was conducted at AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India, between April 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021. RESULTS Twenty-five patients underwent eLDLT. The mean time from abstinence to eLDLT was 92.4±42.94 days. The mean model for end-stage liver disease and discriminant function score at eLDLT were 28.16±2.89 and 104±34.56, respectively. The mean graft-to-recipient weight ratio was 0.85±0.12. Survival was 72% (95%CI, 50.61-88) after a median follow-up of 551 (23-932) days post-LT. Of the 18 women donors,11 were the wives of the recipient. Six of the nine infected recipients died: three of fungal sepsis, two of bacterial sepsis, and one of COVID-19. One patient developed hepatic artery thrombosis and died of early graft dysfunction. Twenty percent had alcohol relapse. CONCLUSIONS eLDLT is a reasonable treatment option for patients with AAH, with a survival of 72% in our experience. Infections early on post-LT accounted for mortality, and thus a high index of suspicion of infections and vigorous surveillance, in a condition prone to infections, are needed to improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raghuram Reddy
- Department of Liver transplantation, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Juan Pablo Arab
- Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mithun Sharma
- Department of Hepatology, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Sameer Shaik
- Department of Hepatology, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Sowmya Iyengar
- Department of Hepatology, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Naveen Kumar
- Department of Psychiatry, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Rajesh Gupta
- Department of Hepatology, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | | | | | | | | | - K Rajender Reddy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.
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12
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Durkin C, Bittermann T. Liver transplantation for alcohol-associated hepatitis. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2023; 28:85-94. [PMID: 36512482 PMCID: PMC9992110 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000001044] [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] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Early liver transplantation is emerging as a treatment option for severe alcohol-associated hepatitis refractory to pharmacotherapies. This review outlines the current status of transplantation for alcohol-associated hepatitis and the treatment of alcohol use disorder after liver transplantation. RECENT FINDINGS Rates of early liver transplantation for alcohol-associated hepatitis are increasing with significant heterogeneity in practices across the Unites States. Recent studies have demonstrated a substantial survival benefit in patients transplanted for alcohol-associated hepatitis with improved outcomes in early vs. late transplantation, first vs. prior hepatic decompensation, and posttransplant abstinence/delayed relapse vs. early return to alcohol use. Several prediction algorithms have been developed to ascertain patients' risk of alcohol relapse and aid in candidate selection, though data on treatment of alcohol use disorders in transplant recipients remains limited. SUMMARY Although controversial, early liver transplantation for severe alcohol-associated hepatitis has shown to be a lifesaving intervention. Additional research is needed to evaluate its long-term outcomes, optimize candidate selection, and understand treatment of alcohol use disorder posttransplant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Durkin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Therese Bittermann
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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13
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Liver transplant at all costs. Liver Transpl 2023; 29:568-569. [PMID: 36689757 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Ntandja Wandji LC, Ningarhari M, Lassailly G, Dharancy S, Boleslawski E, Mathurin P, Louvet A. Liver Transplantation in Alcohol-related Liver Disease and Alcohol-related Hepatitis. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2023; 13:127-138. [PMID: 36647412 PMCID: PMC9840078 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2022.06.013] [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: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) remains one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease and the prevalence of alcohol-related cirrhosis is still increasing worldwide. Thus, ARLD is one of the leading indications for liver transplantation (LT) worldwide especially after the arrival of direct-acting antivirals for chronic hepatitis C infection. Despite the risk of alcohol relapse, the outcomes of LT for ARLD are as good as for other indications such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with 1-, 5-, and 10- year survival rates of 85%, 74%, and 59%, respectively. Despite these good results, certain questions concerning LT for ARLD remain unanswered, in particular because of persistent organ shortages. As a result, too many transplantation centers continue to require 6 months of abstinence from alcohol for patients with ARLD before LT to reduce the risk of alcohol relapse even though compelling data show the poor prognostic value of this criterion. A recent pilot study even observed a lower alcohol relapse rate in patients receiving LT after less than 6 months of abstinence as long as addictological follow-up is reinforced. Thus, the question should not be whether LT should be offered to patients with ARLD but how to select patients who will benefit from this treatment.
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Key Words
- AH, alcohol-related hepatitis
- ARLD, Alcohol-related liver disease
- AUDIT, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test
- CLD, chronic liver disease
- ELTR, European Liver Transplant Registry
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- HCV, hepatitis C virus
- LT, liver transplantation
- NASH, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
- NIAAA, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
- UNOS, United Network for Organ Sharing
- alcohol
- alcohol-related hepatitis
- alcohol-related liver disease
- liver transplantation
- survival
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Affiliation(s)
- Line Carolle Ntandja Wandji
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - INFINITE - Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, F-59000 France
| | - Massih Ningarhari
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - INFINITE - Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, F-59000 France
| | - Guillaume Lassailly
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - INFINITE - Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, F-59000 France
| | - Sébastien Dharancy
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - INFINITE - Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, F-59000 France
| | - Emmanuel Boleslawski
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1189 - ONCO-THAI - Image Assisted Laser Therapy for Oncology, Lille, F-59000 France
| | - Philippe Mathurin
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - INFINITE - Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, F-59000 France
| | - Alexandre Louvet
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - INFINITE - Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, F-59000 France
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15
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Sundaram V, Artzner T. The costs and health care utilization associated with transplantation for alcoholic hepatitis compared with acute-on-chronic liver failure. Liver Transpl 2022; 28:1401-1402. [PMID: 35429344 DOI: 10.1002/lt.26481] [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] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Sundaram
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Thierry Artzner
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, Hôpital de Hautepierre-Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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16
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Standardising early liver transplantation for severe alcohol-related hepatitis. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 7:698. [DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(22)00171-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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17
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Vogel AS, Im GY. Reply. Liver Transpl 2022; 28:1403-1404. [PMID: 35429350 DOI: 10.1002/lt.26483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander S Vogel
- Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gene Y Im
- Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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18
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Aby ES, Lake JR. The Rush to Early Liver Transplantation for Alcoholic Hepatitis-Potential Financial Implications. Liver Transpl 2022; 28:9-10. [PMID: 34455686 DOI: 10.1002/lt.26282] [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] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S Aby
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - John R Lake
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
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