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Mauro E, Sanduzzi-Zamparelli M, Jutras G, Garcia R, Soler Perromat A, Llarch N, Holguin Arce V, Ruiz P, Rimola J, Lopez E, Ferrer-Fàbrega J, García-Criado Á, Colmenero J, Lai JC, Forner A. Challenges in Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Review of Current Controversies. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:3059. [PMID: 39272917 PMCID: PMC11394545 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16173059] [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: 07/24/2024] [Revised: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) remains one of the most effective treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and significantly enhances patient survival. However, the application of LT for HCC faces challenges owing to advancements in cancer-specific treatment modalities and the increased burden of patients' comorbidities. This narrative review explores current controversies and advancements in LT for HCC. Key areas of focus include the management of comorbidities and patient education by advanced practice nurses, impacts of frailty on waitlists and post-LT outcomes, selection criteria for LT in the era of new downstaging tools, role of radiology in patient selection, and implications of potential immunotherapy use both before and after LT. Additionally, the importance of immunosuppression management with strategies aimed at minimizing rejection while considering the risk of HCC recurrence and the role of surveillance for HCC recurrence is highlighted. This review also underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for optimizing outcomes in patients with HCC undergoing LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezequiel Mauro
- Liver Oncology Unit, Liver Unit, ICMDM, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marco Sanduzzi-Zamparelli
- Liver Oncology Unit, Liver Unit, ICMDM, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gabrielle Jutras
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H2X 3E4, Canada
| | - Raquel Garcia
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Liver Transplant Unit, Liver Unit, ICMDM, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alexandre Soler Perromat
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Radiology Department, CDI, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Neus Llarch
- Liver Oncology Unit, Liver Unit, ICMDM, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Victor Holguin Arce
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery and Liver and Pancreatic Transplantation Unit, Department of Surgery, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pablo Ruiz
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Liver Transplant Unit, Liver Unit, ICMDM, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Rimola
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Radiology Department, CDI, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Lopez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Liver Transplant Unit, Liver Unit, ICMDM, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- Universidad Jaume I, 12006 Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Joana Ferrer-Fàbrega
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery and Liver and Pancreatic Transplantation Unit, Department of Surgery, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- University of Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ángeles García-Criado
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Radiology Department, CDI, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- University of Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Colmenero
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Liver Transplant Unit, Liver Unit, ICMDM, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- University of Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jennifer C Lai
- Departament of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Alejandro Forner
- Liver Oncology Unit, Liver Unit, ICMDM, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- University of Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
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Schmidt K, Spann A, Khan MQ, Izzy M, Watt KD. Minimizing Metabolic and Cardiac Risk Factors to Maximize Outcomes After Liver Transplantation. Transplantation 2024; 108:1689-1699. [PMID: 38060378 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading complication after liver transplantation and has a significant impact on patients' outcomes posttransplant. The major risk factors for post-liver transplant CVD are age, preexisting CVD, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, chronic kidney disease, and metabolic syndrome. This review explores the contemporary strategies and approaches to minimizing cardiometabolic disease burden in liver transplant recipients. We highlight areas for potential intervention to reduce the mortality of patients with metabolic syndrome and CVD after liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Schmidt
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Ashley Spann
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Vanderbilit University, Nashville, TN
| | - Mohammad Qasim Khan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Manhal Izzy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Vanderbilit University, Nashville, TN
| | - Kymberly D Watt
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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Mohy-Ud-Din N, Lin FP, Rachakonda V, Al-Khafaji A, Biggins SW, Ganesh S, Bataller R, DiMartini A, Hughes C, Humar A, Malik SM. Expedited liver transplantation as first-line therapy for severe alcohol hepatitis: ELFSAH; deferring corticosteroids in the sickest subset of patients. Clin Transplant 2024; 38:e15340. [PMID: 39049597 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.15340] [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] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Severe alcohol-associated hepatitis (SAH) represents a lethal subset of alcohol-associated liver disease. Although corticosteroids are recommended by guidelines, their efficacy and safety remain questionable and so liver transplantation (LT) has been increasingly utilized. The timing and indication of corticosteroid use, specifically in patients being considered for LT requires further clarification. METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on 256 patients with SAH between 2018 and 2022 at a single US center. RESULTS Twenty of these patients underwent LT. Of the 256 patients, 38% had what we termed "catastrophic" SAH, defined as a MELD-Na ≥35 and/or discriminant function (DF) ≥100, which carried a mortality of 90% without LT. Compared with 100 matched controls, patients undergoing LT exhibited a one-year survival rate of 100% versus 35% (p < .0005). LT provided an absolute risk reduction of 65%, with a number needed to treat of 1.5. Steroid utilization in the entire cohort was 19% with 60% developing severe complications. Patients administered steroids were younger with lower MELD and DF scores. Only 10% of those prescribed steroids derived a favorable response. Sustained alcohol use post-LT was 20%. CONCLUSIONS We propose ELFSAH: Expedited LT as First Line Therapy for SAH; challenging the current paradigm with recommendations to defer steroids in patients with "catastrophic" SAH (defined as: MELD-Na ≥35 and/or DF ≥100). Patients should be seen urgently by hepatology, transplant surgery, psychiatry and social work. Patients without an absolute contraindication should be referred for LT as first-line therapy during their index admission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabeeha Mohy-Ud-Din
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Fei-Pi Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Vikrant Rachakonda
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine Veteran's Association Northern California Healthcare System, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Ali Al-Khafaji
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Scott W Biggins
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Swaytha Ganesh
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Andrea DiMartini
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christopher Hughes
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Abhinav Humar
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Shahid M Malik
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Kriss M, Shingina A, Hamel S, Winder GS. Cannabis use in liver transplant candidates and recipients. Liver Transpl 2024; 30:530-543. [PMID: 38289264 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000335] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
The increasing legality and acceptance of cannabis sale and consumption across the United States has led to a measurable increase in cannabis use nationwide, including in liver transplant (LT) candidates and recipients. With over 75% of liver transplant recipients transplanted in states with legalized use of medicinal and/or recreational cannabis, liver transplant clinicians must have expertise in the assessment of cannabis use given its potential impact on clinical care. In this review, the authors provide an understanding of nomenclature and tools to assess cannabis use, highlight essential components to guide clinical policy development and implementation, and discuss the potential impacts of cannabis use on patients' transplant course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kriss
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Colorado Center for Transplantation Care, Research and Education, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Alexandra Shingina
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Stephanie Hamel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Services, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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5
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Patel S, Winder GS. New-Onset Nitrous Oxide "Whippet" Use Following Liver Transplantation. J Acad Consult Liaison Psychiatry 2024; 65:216-217. [PMID: 38142863 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaclp.2023.12.003] [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: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shivali Patel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
| | - Gerald Scott Winder
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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6
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Robinson K, Coraluzzi LM, Navarro VJ. Liver injury in patients with substance use disorder. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2024; 23:e0220. [PMID: 38912003 PMCID: PMC11191946 DOI: 10.1097/cld.0000000000000220] [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: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Robinson
- Department of Medicine, Jefferson Einstein, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lynda M. Coraluzzi
- Department of Medicine, Jefferson Einstein, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Victor J. Navarro
- Department of Medicine, Jefferson Einstein, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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7
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Yau B, Shenoy A. Outcomes of liver transplant in patients with alcohol use disorders and opioid use disorders. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2024; 23:e0175. [PMID: 38919869 PMCID: PMC11199006 DOI: 10.1097/cld.0000000000000175] [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: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
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8
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Winder GS, Clifton EG. Alcohol use disorder treatment delivered outside hepatology clinic. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2023; 21:134-137. [PMID: 37274949 PMCID: PMC10238045 DOI: 10.1097/cld.0000000000000018] [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: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
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
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Fipps DC, Sinha S, Diwan TS, Clark MM. Psychosocial considerations in the combined bariatric surgery and organ transplantation population: a review of the overlapping pathologies and outcomes. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2022; 27:514-522. [PMID: 36103143 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000001023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review highlights the salient data of the psychosocial concerns that influence outcomes of bariatric surgery and organ transplantation. RECENT FINDINGS Bariatric surgery has emerged as an important intervention with data supporting substantial and sustained weight loss, enhanced quality of life, remission of obesity-related medical comorbidities, and improved long-term patient and graft survival in transplant patients. Depression, suicide, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, alcohol use, adherence, and psychopharmacology considerations can influence outcomes of both these surgeries. SUMMARY Obesity is increasingly prevalent among patients pursuing transplantation surgery, and it is often a factor in why a patient needs a transplant. However, obesity can be a barrier to receiving a transplant, with many centers implementing BMI criteria for surgery. Furthermore, obesity and obesity-related comorbidities after transplant can cause poor outcomes. In this context, many transplant centers have created programs that incorporate interventions (such as bariatric surgery) that target obesity in transplant candidates. A presurgery psychosocial assessment is an integral (and required) part of the process towards receiving a bariatric surgery and/or a transplantation surgery. When conducting a dual (bariatric and transplantation surgery) psychosocial assessment, it is prudent to understand the overlap and differentiation of specific psychosocial components that influence outcomes in these procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shirshendu Sinha
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
| | | | - Matthew M Clark
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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Heterogeneity in Center Practices in Liver Transplantation for Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease in the United States. Am J Gastroenterol 2022; 117:1530-1535. [PMID: 35916539 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000001863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) is now the leading indication for liver transplantation (LT) in the United States (US). It remains unclear how centers are managing the medical and psychosocial issues associated with these patients. METHODS We conducted a web-based survey of LT centers in the United States to identify center-level details on peri-LT management of ALD and related issues. RESULTS Of the 117 adult LT centers, 100 responses (85.5%) were collected, representing all Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network regions. For alcohol-associated cirrhosis, 70.0% of the centers reported no minimum sobriety requirement while 21.0% required 6 months of sobriety. LT for severe alcohol-associated hepatitis was performed at 85.0% of the centers. Monitoring protocols for pre-LT and post-LT alcohol use varied among centers. DISCUSSION Our findings highlight a change in center attitudes toward LT for ALD, particularly for severe alcohol-associated hepatitis.
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Verma M, Winder GS. Treatment of substance use disorders in patients with chronic liver disease. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2022; 20:66-71. [PMID: 36033425 PMCID: PMC9405498 DOI: 10.1002/cld.1248] [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: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Verma
- Department of MedicineEinstein Healthcare NetworkPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Gerald Scott Winder
- Departments of Psychiatry, Surgery, and NeurologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
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Winder GS, Fernandez AC, Mellinger JL. Integrated Care of Alcohol-Related Liver Disease. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2022; 12:1069-1082. [PMID: 35814517 PMCID: PMC9257883 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2022.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) is the medical manifestation of alcohol use disorder, a prevalent psychiatric condition. Acute and chronic manifestations of ALD have risen in recent years especially in young people and ALD is now a leading indication of liver transplantation (LT) worldwide. Such alarming trends raise urgent and unanswered questions about how medical and psychiatric care can be sustainably integrated to better manage ALD patients before and after LT. Methods Critical evaluation of the interprofessional implications of broad and multifaceted ALD pathophysiology, general principles of and barriers to interprofessional teamwork and care integration, and measures that clinicians and institutions can implement for improved and integrated ALD care. Results The breadth of ALD pathophysiology, and its numerous medical and psychiatric comorbidities, ensures that no single medical or psychiatric discipline is adequately trained and equipped to manage the disease alone. Conclusions Early models of feasible ALD care integration have emerged in recent years but much more work is needed to develop and study them. The future of ALD care is an integrated approach led jointly by interprofessional medical and psychiatric clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald S. Winder
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Anne C. Fernandez
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Jakhete N, Abutaleb A, Shetty K. Transplant in acute alcoholic hepatitis: a relative contraindication. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2022; 27:93-97. [PMID: 35166269 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000000974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this review is to provide a critical analysis of liver transplantation for alcoholic hepatitis, with an emphasis on barriers to long-term success in current implementation strategies across the United States. RECENT FINDINGS Alcohol-associated liver disease is the most rapidly increasing indication for liver transplantation in the USA. Its most severe form, acute alcoholic hepatitis, has a rising incidence particularly in the young, and is associated with a high mortality risk. Although excellent outcomes following liver transplantation for alcoholic hepatitis can be achieved, several barriers limit its routine use. These constraints include risk of allograft dysfunction, the recognition of alcohol use disorder as a multisystem disease and ethical considerations. SUMMARY Although liver transplantation is an important option in a carefully selected group of candidates, it should not be considered the standard of care in this condition. Consistency, transparency and consensus are necessary to formulate and implement policy changes at the national level. Following liver transplantation, wraparound services are important for relapse prevention, and to ensure long-term success and survival in this challenging group of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Jakhete
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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