Prevalence of psychiatric disorders and suicidal ideation in liver transplanted patients: a cross-sectional study

Psychiatric diagnoses are common after liver transplantation and are associated with increased health care utilization and patient financial burden

Psychiatric disorders after liver transplantation (LT) are associated with worse patient and graft outcomes, which may be amplified by inadequate treatment. We aimed to characterize the burden of psychiatric disorders, treatment patterns, and associated financial burden among liver transplantation recipients (LTRs). IQVIA PharMetrics (R) Plus for Academics-a large health plan claims database representative of the commercially insured US population-was used to identify psychiatric diagnoses among adult LTRs and assess treatment. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with post-LT psychiatric diagnoses and receipt of pharmacotherapy. Patient financial liability was estimated using adjudicated medical/pharmacy claims for LTRs with and without psychiatric diagnoses. Post-LT psychiatric diagnoses were identified in 395 (29.5%) of 1338 LTRs, of which 106 (26.8%) were incident cases. Treatment varied, with 67.3% receiving pharmacotherapy, 32.1% psychotherapy, 21.0% combination therapy, and 21.5% no treatment. Among 340 LTRs on psychotropic medications before transplant, 24% did not continue them post-LT. Post-LT psychiatric diagnoses were independently associated with female sex, alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), prolonged LT hospitalization (>2 wk), and pre-LT psychiatric diagnosis. Incident psychiatric diagnoses were associated with female sex, ALD, and prolonged LT hospitalization. Patients with a post-LT psychiatric diagnosis had higher rates of hospitalization (89.6% vs. 81.5%, p <0.001) and financial liability (median $5.5K vs. $4.6K USD, p =0.006). Having a psychiatric diagnosis post-LT was independently associated with experiencing high financial liability >$5K. Over 1 in 4 LTRs had a psychiatric diagnosis in a large national cohort, yet nearly a quarter received no treatment. LTRs with psychiatric diagnoses experienced increased health care utilization and higher financial liability. Sociodemographic and clinical risk factors could inform high-risk subgroups who may benefit from screening and mitigation strategies.

Neuropsychiatric sequelae after liver transplantation and their possible mechanism via the microbiota-gut-liver-brain axis

Patients after liver transplantation are often impacted by mental and even neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression, sleep disorders, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Neuropsychiatric sequelae have an adverse impact on rehabilitation and can even incapacitate people, reducing their quality of life. Despite screening tools and effective treatments, neuropsychiatric sequelae after liver transplantation (NSALT) have not been fully diagnosed and treated. Current research suggests that NSALT may be partly related to intestinal microbial variation, but the detailed mechanism remains unclear. In this review, we describe the clinical and diagnostic features, prevalence, prediction, clinical course and outcome, management, and treatment of NSALT; we also summarize their mechanisms through the microbiota-gut-liver-brain axis. Finally, we propose to improve NSALT on the basis of adjusting the gastrointestinal flora, immune inflammation or vagus nerve (VN), providing a novel strategy for clinical prevention and treatment.

Incidence and prevalence of depressive, anxiety, and insomnia symptoms among adult liver transplant recipients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Psychological morbidity among transplant recipients may negatively impact post-transplantation outcomes. Our objectives were to compute pooled incidence and prevalence estimates for depressive, anxiety, and insomnia symptoms among adults who underwent liver transplant.

METHODS

Electronic searches of MEDLINE, PubMed Central, CINAHL, and Google Scholar were carried out from inception to October 2022 to identify observational studies conducted among adult liver transplant recipients which measured depression, anxiety, and/or insomnia. We used the Joanna-Briggs tool for study quality appraisal.

RESULTS

Sixty-five studies (pooled N = 12,183) provided data for meta-analysis. The one-year pooled point prevalence rate for depressive symptoms was 25% (95% Confidence Intervals [CI]: 20% to 30%; I² = 94%; 37 studies; N = 6088) while that of anxiety and insomnia symptoms were 29% (95% CI: 21% to 38%; I² = 96%; 28 studies; N = 4016) and 28% (95% CI: 16% to 43%; I² = 98%; 14 studies; N = 1834), respectively. The findings remained robust across subgroup and sensitivity analyses. Most included studies had low or moderate risk of bias.

CONCLUSIONS

Depressive, anxiety, and insomnia symptoms are commonly prevalent following liver transplantation. Our findings, though limited by high heterogeneity across analyses, have important implications for screening, management, and prevention of psychological morbidity in this group.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

This protocol was submitted for registration with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD 42021276008).

MENTAL DISORDERS AND LIVER TRANSPLANTATION: A 2-YEAR COHORT STUDY

BACKGROUND

Psychosocial assessment is a key component in evaluation for liver transplantation and may affect survival rates and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the impact of previous mental disorders and impulsivity on the 2-year surviving rate after liver transplantation.

METHODS

We performed a prospective cohort study assessing end-stage liver disease individuals with and without psychiatric comorbidities for 2 years post-transplant. Psychiatric diagnosis was carried out through Mini-Plus 5.0.0 and impulsivity by using Barratt Impulsiveness Scale in the pre-transplant phase. We followed patient's status for 2 years after transplantation. The main outcome was death. We used a logistic regression to evaluate the association of psychiatric comorbidities with death and performed a survival analysis with Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression models.

RESULTS

Between June 2010 and July 2014, 93 out of 191 transplant candidates received transplants. From the 93 transplant patients, 21 had psychiatric comorbidities and 72 had not. 25 patients died during the study. The presence of psychiatric comorbidities (P=0.353) and high impulsivity (P=0.272) were not associated to 2-year post transplant death.

CONCLUSION

This study found no evidence that the presence of mental disorders and impulsivity worsened prognosis in post-liver transplantation.

Global Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Depression After Liver Transplant: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background and aims

With existing literature focusing on general quality of life, the magnitude and impact of depression among recipients after liver transplantation (LT) is unclear. Hence, we aim to evaluate the prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes for recipient-related depression after LT.

Methods

Medline and Embase were searched. Single-arm analysis was pooled using the generalized linear mixed model, and logistic regression was performed to analyze risk factors. Pairwise comparative meta-analysis in odds ratio was conducted for binary outcomes.

Results

Of 1069 abstracts, 189 articles underwent full-text review before the inclusion of 48 articles. Pooled depression rate among 5170 recipients was 24.52% (confidence interval [CI]: 19.46%-30.41%). Depression was most prevalent in Asia compared with other geographical regions. Younger age at transplantation (P = .019) and university education (P = .051) were protective against depression. However, those transplanted for alcoholic liver disease (odds ratio: 1.14, CI: 1.10-1.18, P ≤ 0.001) were more likely to be depressed. Depression resulted in increased odds of mortality (odds ratio: 1.82, CI: 1.08-3.07, P = .04), graft loss (P = .03), and graft rejection (P = .01).

Conclusion

Depression is highly prevalent after LT and may be associated with increased mortality and poorer graft outcomes. More emphasis is needed on the screening of depression among higher risk recipients.

Post-liver transplant outcomes in patients with major psychiatric diagnosis in the United States

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Higher rates of psychiatric disorders are reported among cirrhotic patients. This study examines the demographic and clinical outcomes post-liver transplant (LT) among cirrhotic patients with a major psychiatric diagnosis (cases) compared to those without psychiatric diagnosis (controls).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective case control design was used among 189 cirrhotic patients who had undergone LT at Methodist University Hospital Transplant Institute, Memphis, TN between January 2006 and December 2014. Multivariable regression and Cox proportional hazard regression were conducted to compare allograft loss and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

The study sample consisted of a matched cohort of 95 cases and 94 controls with LT. Females and those with Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE) were more likely to have psychiatric diagnosis. Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were twice as likely to have allograft loss. Psychiatric patients with HCC had two and a half times (HR 2.54; 95% CI: 1.20-5.37; p = 0.015) likelihood of all-cause mortality. Data censored at 1-year post-LT revealed that patients with psychiatric diagnosis have a three to four times higher hazard for allograft loss and all-cause mortality compared to controls after adjusting for covariates, whereas when the data is censored at 5 year, allograft loss and all-cause mortality have two times higher hazard ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

The Cox proportional hazard regression analysis of censored data at 1 and 5 year indicate higher allograft loss and all-cause mortality among LT patients with psychiatric diagnosis. Patients with well-controlled psychiatric disorders who undergo LT need close monitoring and medication adherence.

Refractory neuropathic pain from a median nerve injury: spinal cord or peripheral nerve stimulation? A case report

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is the most frequently used neuromodulation technique even for neurogenic pain from a peripheral nerve injury although peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) has been designed for this purpose. PNS appears less invasive than SCS or deep brain stimulation. It provides greater and specific target coverage and it could be more cost-effective than SCS because low electrical stimulation is exclusively delivered to the precise painful territory. We report a case of excellent result following median nerve stimulation at arm level after SCS failure and a 10-year history of intense pain. PNS would certainly have been considered much earlier if it was accepted and reimbursed by the Belgium National Insurance. PNS is a safe, simple, and efficient technique available for decades but it is still considered as experimental and underemployed. Belgian National Insurance fears an explosion of indications on neuromodulation if PNS was reimbursed. We consider that PNS aside SCS and other neuromodulation techniques should be made available in Belgium in case of peripheral chronic neuropathic pain.

A Longitudinal Investigation of Posttraumatic Growth and Quality of Life in Liver Transplant Recipients

Background:

What does it mean to adjust to a liver transplant? Quality of life research has offered an impairment model, defining adjustment as the absence of diagnosed psychological disorder or of limitations in physical functioning. Recently emerging research on posttraumatic growth testifies the prevalence of positive life changes following the life-threatening illnesses. The present study aimed to verify the presence of the posttraumatic growth process in liver transplant patients and its relationship with traditional quality of life.

Methods:

The research was a longitudinally descriptive study. A sample of 233 liver transplant patients were assessed with the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy General.

Results:

Over 50% of patients showed moderate-high levels in all dimensions of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. Further posttraumatic growth is correlated with the functional and social dimensions of quality of life construct and not with physical and emotional functioning.

Conclusion:

These results confirmed that posttraumatic growth is related to a different definition of well-being than the one traditionally used in the assessment of quality of life. Adjustment to liver transplant is a complex and systemic process, which requires a multidisciplinary approach to be able to support and encourages adaptation through all the needed functional elements. An interesting perspective is offered by the narrative medicine approach, that highlighted the importance to pay specific attention to the words and expression used by patients related to changes in life and not only to traditional words reporting physical status.

Quality of life and care burden in primary caregivers of liver transplantation recipients in China

So far, liver transplantation (LT) has become the most effective way to treat end-stage liver-related diseases. As we all know, a stable caregiver is crucial to LT recovery. However, compared with LT patients, few studies were focused on LT caregivers.This study aimed to describe the quality of life (QoL), care burden, and their related factors in caregivers of LT patients in Shanghai, China.We collected 225 liver transplanted patients and their corresponding caregivers' social demographic and medical information; meanwhile, we assessed 225 LT recipients' caregivers' life quality; by using Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Liver Transplantation in Chinese version (CQOLC-LT), Zarit caregiver burden inventory in Chinese version (ZBI) was used to access the care burden. Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Center for Epidemiological Survey-Depression Scale (CES-D) were used to assess caregivers' anxiety and depression status. For physical assessment, we used Fatigue Scale-14 (FS-14). Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify clinical factors influencing QOL of LT primary caregivers.The QoL of LT caregiver was not optimistic; the care burden on caregiver was still heavy. In particular, most caregivers experienced mild to moderate mental health disorders.In general, our findings emphasized the importance of assessment of physical and mental health in primary caregivers during overall process.

Suicidal ideation in lung transplant recipients: A case series

BACKGROUND

Suicidality, a term referring to suicidal ideation and/or suicide attempts, has been understudied in lung transplant recipients, despite the well-documented period of high stress following transplantation. Understanding the full clinical picture of psychiatric morbidity before and after lung transplant is vital to supporting survival.

METHODS

Suicidality among lung transplant recipients was examined through case studies of 5 lung transplant recipients at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, IL. Medical records were reviewed for demographic and psychosocial variables during the pre- and post-transplant periods to identify common factors.

RESULTS

Patients presented with suicidal ideation within the first 2 years of receiving lung transplantation; 4 of 5 endorsed a plan and/or intent to act and 2 made suicide attempts. Pretransplant prescription medication mismanagement, pretransplant depression or anxiety, and post-transplant depression and anxiety were each present in at least 3 of 5 cases and appeared related to the development of suicidality. Social support issues were also prominent, including changes in available supports, interpersonal distress, and social isolation or lack of support.

CONCLUSION

Patients presenting with psychiatric comorbidities or limited social support at any phase of the lung transplant process should be monitored closely. This case report draws into focus the need for systematic and ongoing psychological evaluation following lung transplantation.

Post-traumatic growth and its relationship to quality of life up to 9 years after liver transplantation: a cross-sectional study in Spain

OBJECTIVE

Little is known concerning post-traumatic growth (PTG) after liver transplantation. Against this backdrop the current study analysed the relationship between PTG and time since transplantation on quality of life. Furthermore, it compared PTG between liver transplant recipients and their caregivers.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional case-control study.

SETTING

University Hospital in Spain.

PARTICIPANTS

240 adult liver transplant recipients who had undergone only one transplantation, with no severe mental disease, were the participants of the study. Specific additional analyses were conducted on the subset of 216 participants for whom caregiver data were available. Moreover, results were compared with a previously recruited general population sample.

OUTCOME MEASURES

All participants completed the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, and recipients also filled in the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey. Relevant sociodemographic and clinical parameters were also assessed.

RESULTS

In the sample of 240 recipients, longer time since transplantation (>9 years) was associated with more pain symptoms (p=0.026). Regardless of duration, recipients showed lower scores on most quality of life dimensions than the general population. However, high PTG was associated with a significantly higher score on the vitality quality of life dimension (p=0.021). In recipients with high PTG, specific quality of life dimensions, such as bodily pain (p=0.307), vitality (p=0.890) and mental health (p=0.353), even equalled scores in the general population, whereas scores on general health surpassed them (p=0.006). Furthermore, liver transplant recipients (n=216) compared with their caregivers showed higher total PTG (p<0.001) and higher scores on the subscales relating to others (p<0.001), new possibilities (p<0.001) and appreciation of life (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the protective role of PTG in the long-term outcome of liver transplant recipients. Future studies should analyse and develop psychosocial interventions to strengthen PTG in transplant recipients and their caregivers.

Trajectories of anxiety and depression in liver transplant candidates during the waiting-list period

OBJECTIVES

To explore whether distinct trajectories of anxiety and depression exist among liver transplant candidates, and to gain insight into demographic, clinical, and individual characteristics related with these trajectories.

DESIGN

A multicentre, prospective cohort study among 216 liver transplant candidates. Respondents filled out a questionnaire at study entrance and subsequently every 6 months until transplantation or removal from the waiting list.

METHODS

Anxiety (STAI6), depression (CES-D), demographic, and individual variables were assessed by questionnaire. Clinical variables were retrieved by medical record review. The SAS PROC TRAJ procedure was used to identify distinct trajectories. Univariate and multiple ordinal logistic regression analyses were used to explore related variables.

RESULTS

Regarding anxiety, three stable trajectories were identified as follows: below clinical level (51%), slightly above clinical level (34%), and high above clinical level (15%). Regarding depression, four stable trajectories were identified as follows: below clinical level (23%), slightly below clinical level (34%), slightly above clinical level (28%), and high above clinical level (6%). For anxiety as well as for depression, experiencing more liver disease symptoms, a lower level of personal control, making more use of emotional coping, and making less use of task-oriented coping increased the likelihood of membership in those trajectories with higher symptom levels.

CONCLUSION

Distinct, but stable, trajectories of anxiety and depression were present in liver transplant candidates. The trajectories with symptom levels above clinical relevant levels for anxiety or depression comprised, respectively, 49% and 34% of the respondents. Therefore, psychological screening and subsequently providing appropriate interventions are warranted early in the transplant process. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject For transplant candidates, the waiting-list period is a period of uncertainty and unpredictability. Psychological problems, such as anxiety and depression, are common among liver transplant candidates. Several demographic, clinical, and individual characteristics are associated with anxiety and depression, but these results remain inconclusive. What does this study add Distinct trajectories of symptoms of anxiety and depression are present among liver transplant candidates. Given the stability of the trajectories over time, the symptom level at baseline is indicative of the symptom level during the waiting-list period. Experiencing more liver disease symptoms, low mastery, more use of emotional coping, and less use of task-oriented coping are associated with trajectories of high symptom levels.

Coping Strategies in Liver Transplant Recipients and Caregivers According to Patient Posttraumatic Growth

The purpose of this study was to analyze the differences in coping strategies employed by liver transplant recipients and their family members according to patient posttraumatic growth. Two matched groups of 214 liver transplant recipients and 214 family members were selected. The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory and Brief COPE were used. The most relevant results were: (1) Interactive effects in active coping, support (instrumental and emotional) and acceptance strategies, which were all used more by patients with higher growth levels, while their family members showed no differences in use of these strategies by patient growth level. Furthermore, while a low level of patient growth did not mark differences between them and their caregivers, a high level did, patients employing more active coping and support (instrumental and emotional), (2) In both groups a high level of patient growth was associated with more use of positive reframing and denial than a low one, and (3) Self-blame was employed by patients more than by their caregivers. It was concluded that a high level of posttraumatic growth in liver transplant recipients is associated with more use of healthy coping strategies, basically active coping, instrumental support, and emotional support.

Liver Illness and Psychiatric Patients

Patients with psychiatric disorders are usually more exposed to multiple somatic illnesses, including liver diseases. Specific links are established between psychiatric disorders and alcohol hepatitis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C in the population as a whole, and specifically in drug abusers. Metabolic syndrome criteria, and associated steatosis or non-alcoholic steato-hepatitis (NASH) are frequent in patients with chronic psychiatric disorders under psychotropic drugs, and should be screened. Some psychiatric medications, such as neuroleptics, mood stabilizers, and a few antidepressants, are often associated with drug-induced liver injury (DILI). In patients with advanced chronic liver diseases, the prescription of some specific psychiatric treatments should be avoided. Psychiatric disorders can be a limiting factor in the decision-making and following up for liver transplantation.

Influence of acute cellular rejection and depressive symptomatology on liver transplant recipients' quality of life

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of two variables (acute cellular rejection and depressive symptomatology) on liver transplant recipients' quality of life.

METHODS

Using a 2 × 2 factorial design, two groups were selected: 44 patients who had acute cellular rejection and 44 patients without this medical complication. After an average of 6 years since the transplant, patients were assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the SF-36 Health Survey. Analysis of variance, t test for unpaired samples, and Cohen's d effect size index were applied.

RESULTS

The presence of clinical depressive symptomatology negatively affected all dimensions of quality of life (P < .001; large effect sizes); and interactive effects between factors acute cellular rejection and depressive symptomatology were found in the dimensions role-physical (P = .049) and bodily pain (P = .017). Transplant recipients with clinical depressive symptomatology scored lower on both dimensions (role-physical, P = .110, d = 0.52, medium effect size; bodily pain, P = .001, d = 1.25, large effect size) if they had an acute cellular rejection. In contrast, if they did not exceed the clinical threshold for depressive symptomatology, there were no differences in these dimensions (role-physical, P = .239, d = -0.33, small effect size; bodily pain, P = .555, d = 0.16, null effect size) between transplant recipients with and without acute cellular rejection.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical depressive symptomatology is associated with poorer quality of life in liver transplant recipients; and the long-term differences in the dimensions role-physical and bodily pain between liver transplant recipients with and without acute cellular rejection depend on patients' mental health.

Review article: depression and the use of antidepressants in patients with chronic liver disease or liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

The scale of depression in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) and those who have received orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is poorly characterised. Clinicians are uncertain of how best to manage depression within these patients.

AIMS

To review the literature evaluating both the prevalence and impact of depression in patients with CLD and post-OLT, and to assess the safety and efficacy of antidepressant use within this context.

METHODS

A PubMed search using the phrases 'chronic liver disease', 'cirrhosis', 'liver transplantation', 'depression', 'antidepressant' and the names of specific causes of liver disease and individual antidepressants.

RESULTS

Over 30% of cirrhotic patients have depressive features, and they experience worse clinical outcomes than nondepressed cirrhotic patients. CLD patients with chronic hepatitis C are particularly prone to depression, partly related to the use of interferon therapy. OLT patients with depression have higher mortality rates than nondepressed patients; appropriate antidepressant use reverses this effect. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are effective and generally safe in both CLD and OLT patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Depression is much more prevalent in CLD or OLT patients than is generally recognised, and it adversely affects clinical outcomes. The reasons for this relationship are complex and multifactorial. Antidepressants are effective in both CLD and post-OLT, although lower doses or a reduced dosing frequency may be required to minimise side effects, e.g. exacerbation of hepatic encephalopathy. Further research is needed to establish optimal management of depression in these patients, including the potential role of nonpharmacological treatments.