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Fan TY, Yan Y, Lu Q, Li J, Chen H. Treatment of Hyperlipidemia With Alirocumab in a Liver Transplant Recipient With Poor Blood Lipid Control: Case Report. Transplant Proc 2024:S0041-1345(24)00283-5. [PMID: 38876927 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2024.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
The use of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, such as alirocumab, to treat drug-resistant hypercholesterolemia is increasing; however, to date there have been no studies on the use of alirocumab to treat the hyperlipidemia that follows liver transplantation. Here we report a case of successful management of hyperlipidemia, albeit without total reversal of elevated serum triglycerides, with alirocumab monotherapy in a liver transplantation patient who was resistant to rosuvastatin and fenofibrate. In terms of safety, only transient palpitations following the first few alirocumab injections were recorded. This case illustrates that alirocumab can be a viable option for patients who experience poor lipid control after liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tie-Yan Fan
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Center of Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Yan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy of Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Lu
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Center of Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Li
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Center of Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Center of Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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2
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Mishra S, Taneja S. Algorithmic Approach to Deranged Liver Functions After Transplantation. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2024; 14:101317. [PMID: 38264576 PMCID: PMC10801315 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2023.101317] [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: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver transplant (LT) recipients require close follow-up with regular monitoring of the liver function tests (LFTs). Evaluation of deranged LFT should be individualized depending upon the time since LT, peri-operative events, clinical course, and any complications. These derangements can range from mild and asymptomatic to severe and symptomatic elevations requiring expedited personalized assessment and management. Pattern of LFT derangement (hepatocellular, cholestatic, or mixed), donor-recipient risk factors, timing after LT (post-operative, 1-12 months, and >12 months since LT) along with clinical context and symptomatology are important considerations before proceeding with the initial evaluation. Compliance to immunosuppression and drug interactions should be ascertained along with local epidemiology of infections. Essential initial evaluation must include an ultrasound abdomen with Doppler to rule out any structural causes such as biliary or vascular complications apart from focussed laboratory evaluation. Early allograft dysfunction, ischemia reperfusion injury, small-for-size syndrome, biliary leaks, hepatic artery, and portal vein thrombosis are usual culprits in the early post-operative period whereas viral hepatitis (acute or reactivation), opportunistic infections, and recurrence of the primary disease are more frequent in the later period. Graft rejection, biliary strictures, sepsis, and drug induced liver injury remain possible etiologies at all times points after LT. Initial evaluation algorithm must be customized based on history, clinical examination, risk factors, and pattern and severity of deranged LFT. Allograft rejection is a diagnosis of exclusion and requires liver biopsy to confirm and assess severity. Empirical treatment of rejection sans liver biopsy is discouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh Mishra
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Paras Health, Sector 22, Panchkula, Haryana 134109, India
| | - Sunil Taneja
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Sector 12, Chandigarh 160012, India
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3
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Shinde AS, Kapoor D. Infections After Liver Transplant -Timeline, Management and Prevention. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2024; 14:101316. [PMID: 38264574 PMCID: PMC10801311 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2023.101316] [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: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) is the standard treatment for end- stage liver disease. Patient and graft survival have improved significantly in the last three decades owing to improvement in surgical technique, better perioperative management and better immunosuppressive regimens. However, LT recipients are at increased risk of infections, particularly in the first year after transplantation. The risk of infection is directly proportional to immunosuppressive regimen and graft function. In this review, we will briefly discuss the timeline of infections after liver transplant, preventive strategies and management of infectious complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay S. Shinde
- Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, Yashoda Hospitals, Secunderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Dharmesh Kapoor
- Consultant Hepatologist, Yashoda Hospitals, Secunderabad, Telangana, India
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4
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Bajaj JS, Choudhury A, Kumaran V, Wong F, Seto WK, Alvares-Da-Silva MR, Desalgn H, Hayes PC, Idilman R, Topazian M, Torre A, Xie Q, George J, Kamath PS. Geographic disparities in access to liver transplant for advanced cirrhosis: Time to ring the alarm! Am J Transplant 2024; 24:733-742. [PMID: 38387623 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2024.02.018] [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: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Decompensated cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer are major risk factors for mortality worldwide. Liver transplantation (LT), both live-donor LT or deceased-donor LT, are lifesaving, but there are several barriers toward equitable access. These barriers are exacerbated in the setting of critical illness or acute-on-chronic liver failure. Rates of LT vary widely worldwide but are lowest in lower-income countries owing to lack of resources, infrastructure, late disease presentation, and limited donor awareness. A recent experience by the Chronic Liver Disease Evolution and Registry for Events and Decompensation consortium defined these barriers toward LT as critical in determining overall survival in hospitalized cirrhosis patients. A major focus should be on appropriate, affordable, and early cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer care to prevent the need for LT. Live-donor LT is predominant across Asian countries, whereas deceased-donor LT is more common in Western countries; both approaches have unique challenges that add to the access disparities. There are many challenges toward equitable access but uniform definitions of acute-on-chronic liver failure, improving transplant expertise, enhancing availability of resources and encouraging knowledge between centers, and preventing disease progression are critical to reduce LT disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA.
| | - Ashok Choudhury
- Department of Hepatology, Institute for Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Vinay Kumaran
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Florence Wong
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wai Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mario Reis Alvares-Da-Silva
- Department of Hepatology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Hailemichael Desalgn
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, St Paul's Hospital, Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Peter C Hayes
- Hepatology, Division of Health Sciences, Deanery of Clinical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ramazan Idilman
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mark Topazian
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, St Paul's Hospital, Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Aldo Torre
- Department of Medicine, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Qing Xie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Millennium Institute, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Patrick S Kamath
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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5
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Feng S, Roll GR, Rouhani FJ, Sanchez Fueyo A. The future of liver transplantation. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00817. [PMID: 38537154 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000873] [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: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Over the last 50 years, liver transplantation has evolved into a procedure routinely performed in many countries worldwide. Those able to access this therapy frequently experience a miraculous risk-benefit ratio, particularly if they face the imminently life-threatening disease. Over the decades, the success of liver transplantation, with dramatic improvements in early posttransplant survival, has aggressively driven demand. However, despite the emergence of living donors to augment deceased donors as a source of organs, supply has lagged far behind demand. As a result, rationing has been an unfortunate focus in recent decades. Recent shifts in the epidemiology of liver disease combined with transformative innovations in liver preservation suggest that the underlying premise of organ shortage may erode in the foreseeable future. The focus will sharpen on improving equitable access while mitigating constraints related to workforce training, infrastructure for organ recovery and rehabilitation, and their associated costs. Research efforts in liver preservation will undoubtedly blossom with the aim of optimizing both the timing and conditions of transplantation. Coupled with advances in genetic engineering, regenerative biology, and cellular therapies, the portfolio of innovation, both broad and deep, offers the promise that, in the future, liver transplantation will not only be broadly available to those in need but also represent a highly durable life-saving therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandy Feng
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Garrett R Roll
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Foad J Rouhani
- Tissue Regeneration and Clonal Evolution Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London, King's College Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Alberto Sanchez Fueyo
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London, King's College Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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6
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Mishra S, Premkumar M. Nutritional Management of a Liver Transplant Candidate. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2023; 13:878-894. [PMID: 37693267 PMCID: PMC10483011 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2023.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Nearly two-thirds of patients with cirrhosis suffer from malnutrition resulting from multiple contributory factors such as poor intake, accelerated starvation, catabolic milieu, and anabolic resistance. Nutritional assessment and optimization are integral to adequate management of a liver transplant (LT) candidate. A detailed nutritional assessment should be done at baseline in all potential transplant candidates with periodic reassessments. Sarcopenia is defined as a reduction in muscle mass, function, and/or performance. Skeletal muscle index at 3rd lumbar vertebra determined by computed tomography is the most objective tool to assess muscle mass. Hand-grip strength and gait speed are simple tools to gauge muscle strength and performance, respectively. Sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity, and myosteatosis portend poor outcomes. Sarcopenia contributes greatly to frailty, which is a syndrome of reduced physiological reserve and impaired response to stressors. Dietary interventions must ensure adequate calorie (35-40 kcal/kg/day) and protein (1.2-1.5 gm/kg/day) intake via multiple frequent meals and late-evening calorie-dense snack. Micronutrient supplementation is essential, keeping in mind the etiology of cirrhosis. Individualized, gradually up-titrated exercise prescription consisting of both aerobic and resistance training of 150 min/week is advisable after appropriate risk assessment. Early initiation of enteral nutrition within 12-24 h of LT is recommended. Data with respect to immune-nutrition, monomeric formulas, and hormone replacement remain conflicting at present. A multidisciplinary team comprising of hepatologists, transplant surgeons, intensivists, dieticians, and physiotherapists is vital to improve overall nutrition and outcomes in this vulnerable group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh Mishra
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Paras Health, Sector-22, Panchkula, Haryana, 134109, India
| | - Madhumita Premkumar
- Departments of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Sector-12, Chandigarh, 160012, India
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