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Mafi VIP, Soldera J. Palliative care for end-stage liver disease and acute on chronic liver failure: A systematic review. World J Methodol 2024; 14:95904. [DOI: 10.5662/wjm.v14.i4.95904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND End stage liver disease (ESLD) represents a growing health concern characterized by elevated morbidity and mortality, particularly among individual ineligible for liver transplantation. The demand for palliative care (PC) is pronounced in patients grappling with ESLD and acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF). Unfortunately, the historical underutilization of PC in ESLD patients, despite their substantial needs and those of their family caregivers, underscores the imperative of seamlessly integrating PC principles into routine healthcare practices across the entire disease spectrum.
AIM To comprehensively investigate the evidence surrounding the benefits of incorporating PC into the comprehensive care plan for individuals confronting ESLD and/or ACLF.
METHODS A systematic search in the Medline (PubMed) database was performed using a predetermined search command, encompassing studies published in English without any restrictions on the publication date. Subsequently, the retrieved studies were manually examined. Simple descriptive analyses were employed to summarize the results.
RESULTS The search strategies yielded 721 references. Following the final analysis, 32 full-length references met the inclusion criteria and were consequently incorporated into the study. Meticulous data extraction from these 32 studies was undertaken, leading to the execution of a comprehensive narrative systematic review. The review found that PC provides significant benefits, reducing symptom burden, depressive symptoms, readmission rates, and hospital stays. Yet, barriers like the appeal of transplants and misconceptions about PC hinder optimal utilization. Integrating PC early, upon the diagnosis of ESLD and ACLF, regardless of transplant eligibility and availability, improves the quality of life for these patients.
CONCLUSION Despite the substantial suffering and poor prognosis associated with ESLD and ACLF, where liver transplantation stands as the only curative treatment, albeit largely inaccessible, PC services have been overtly provided too late in the course of the illness. A comprehensive understanding of PC's pivotal role in treating ESLD and ACLF is crucial for overcoming these barriers, involving healthcare providers, patients, and caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vakaola I Pulotu Mafi
- Post-Graduate Program, Acute Medicine, University of South Wales, Cardiff CF37 1DL, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Soldera
- Post-Graduate Program, Acute Medicine, University of South Wales, Cardiff CF37 1DL, United Kingdom
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Pomej K, Masel EK, Kreye G. Palliative care in terminally ill advanced chronic liver disease patients. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2024:10.1007/s00508-024-02436-z. [PMID: 39254776 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-024-02436-z] [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: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
While mortality rates from advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD) are rapidly increasing, patients with an advanced disease stage have a comparable or even higher symptom burden than those with other life-limiting diseases. Although evidence is limited there is increasing recognition of the need to improve care for patients with ACLD; however, there are many limiting factors to providing good palliative care for these patients, including unpredictable disease progression, the misconception of palliative care and end of life care as being equivalent, a lack of confidence in prescribing medication and a lack of time and resources. Health professionals working with these patients need to develop the skills to ensure effective palliative care, while referral to specialized palliative care centers should be reserved for patients with complex needs. Basic palliative care, along with active disease management, is best delivered by the treating hepatologists. This includes discussions about disease progression and advance care planning, alongside the active management of disease complications. Liver disease is closely associated with significant social, psychological, and financial burdens for patients and their caregivers. Strategies to engage the discussion in multidisciplinary teams early in disease progression help to ensure addressing these issues proactively. This review summarizes the evidence on palliative care for patients with ACLD, provides examples of current best practice and offers suggestions on how disease-modifying and palliative care can coexist, to ensure that patients do not miss opportunities for quality of life improving interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Pomej
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Eva Katharina Masel
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gudrun Kreye
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Clinical Department of Medicine 2, Krems University Hospital, Karl Landsteiner Private University for Health Sciences, Mitterweg 10, 3500, Krems an der Donau, Austria.
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Zhou K, Huang X, Chen M, Li Z, Qin J, Ji Y, Yu X, Yan F. Pre-hospital symptom clusters and symptom network analysis in decompensated cirrhotic patients: A cross-sectional study. J Adv Nurs 2024; 80:2785-2800. [PMID: 38197541 DOI: 10.1111/jan.16044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To generate pre-hospital symptom networks, explore core, bridge and sentinel symptoms, identify pre-hospital symptom clusters and analyse relationship between influencing factors and symptom clusters in decompensated cirrhosis patients. DESIGN A cross-sectional study design using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist. METHODS Demographical, physiological, psychological and sociological characteristics and the pre-hospital symptoms of 292 decompensated cirrhotic patients were collected from October 2021 to March 2023 in China. Frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, independent samples t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, exploratory factor analysis, multiple stepwise regression analysis and network analysis were used for data analysis. RESULTS 'I don't look like myself' and itching were core and bridge symptoms, while bloating and lack of energy were sentinel symptoms in decompensated cirrhotic patients. Monthly family income, anxiety, depression, social support and disease duration influenced the neuropsychological symptom cluster, with worrying as the strongest predictor symptom. Influential factors for cirrhosis-specific symptom cluster included Child-Pugh class, monthly family income, disease duration, anxiety and depression, with itching being the strongest predictor symptom. Monthly family income, disease duration and depression were influential factors for gastrointestinal symptom cluster, with loss of appetite as the strongest predictor symptom. CONCLUSIONS Neuropsychological, cirrhosis-specific and gastrointestinal symptom clusters were formed in decompensated cirrhotic patients. Through network analysis, direct connections between symptoms, symptom clusters and their influencing factors were revealed, thereby offering clinicians a foundation for effectively managing patients' pre-hospital symptoms. IMPACT Decompensated cirrhosis patients commonly have multiple symptoms, while the management of pre-hospital symptoms is often suboptimal. This study identified neuropsychological, cirrhosis-specific, gastrointestinal symptom clusters and recognized core, bridge and sentinel symptoms in these patients. It also revealed the most prominent symptoms within each cluster. This provides insight into the hierarchy of symptoms, improving symptom management in decompensated cirrhosis. PATIENT AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT There was no patient or public involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kebing Zhou
- School of Nursing, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Meiling Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sixth Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiying Li
- School of Nursing, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jieying Qin
- School of Nursing, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yelin Ji
- School of Nursing, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuefen Yu
- Comprehensive Ward, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fengxia Yan
- School of Nursing, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Ghoshal A, Marks S, Esteban JP. When Is the Optimal Time to Refer Patients with End-Stage Liver Disease to Palliative Care Specialists? #481. J Palliat Med 2024; 27:813-815. [PMID: 38686513 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2024.0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
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Xu M, Chen Y, Artru F. Acute decompensation of cirrhosis versus acute-on-chronic liver failure: What are the clinical implications? United European Gastroenterol J 2024; 12:194-202. [PMID: 38376886 PMCID: PMC10954432 DOI: 10.1002/ueg2.12538] [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: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
It is essential to identify the subgroup of patients who experience poorer outcomes in order to adapt clinical management effectively. In the context of liver disease, the earlier the identification occurs, the greater the range of therapeutic options that can be offered to patients. In the past, patients with acute decompensation (AD) of chronic liver disease were treated as a homogeneous group, with emphasis on identifying those at the highest risk of death. In the last 15 years, a differentiation has emerged between acute-on-chronic liver failure syndrome (ACLF) and AD, primarily due to indications that the latter is linked to a less favorable short-term prognosis. Nevertheless, the definition of ACLF varies among the different knowledge societies, making it challenging to assess its true impact compared with AD. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to provide a detailed analysis emphasizing the critical importance of identifying ACLF in the field of advanced liver disease. We will discuss the differences between Eastern and Western approaches, particularly in relation to the occurrence of liver failure and disease onset. Common characteristics, such as the dynamic nature of the disease course, will be highlighted. Finally, we will focus on two key clinical implications arising from these considerations: the prevention of ACLF before its onset and the clinical management strategies once it develops, including liver transplantation and withdrawal of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manman Xu
- Fourth Department of Liver Disease (Difficult & Complicated Liver Diseases and Artificial Liver Center), Beijing You'an Hospital Affiliated to Capital, Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Liver Failure and Artificial Liver Treatment Research, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Fourth Department of Liver Disease (Difficult & Complicated Liver Diseases and Artificial Liver Center), Beijing You'an Hospital Affiliated to Capital, Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Liver Failure and Artificial Liver Treatment Research, Beijing, China
| | - Florent Artru
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, UK
- Liver Disease Department, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France
- Rennes University and Inserm NuMeCan UMR 1317, Rennes, France
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Fotros D, Sohouli M, Yari Z, Sakhdari H, Shafiekhani M, Nikoupour H, Jafarzadeh MA, Jafari K, Afiatjoo SS, Fatemi SA, Amiri M, Eghlimi H, Rabbani A, Broumandnia N, Mazdeh GM, Jafarian A, Hekmatdoost A. Vitamin D status as a predictor for liver transplant outcomes. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21018. [PMID: 38030697 PMCID: PMC10687262 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48496-5] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well known that vitamin D plays a pivotal role in immune system modulation; however, its role in liver transplantation (LT) has not yet been well elucidated. This study aimed to assess the association between vitamin D status and LT outcomes. This retrospective cohort study was conducted on 335 registered cirrhotic patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) who underwent LT during 2019-2021 and had measurement of serum vitamin D before LT. The association of vitamin D levels before LT with the odds of acute cellular rejection (ACR) and risk mortality was assessed by applying logistic and cox regression, respectively. The mean MELD-Na and serum level of vitamin D were 20.39 ± 9.36 and 21.52 ± 15.28 ng/ml, respectively. In the final adjusted model, there was a significant association between vitamin D deficiency in the pre-transplant period and odds of ACR (odds ratio [OR] 2.69; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.50-4.68). Although in the crude model, vitamin D deficiency in the pre-transplant period was significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality after two years of follow-up (Hazard ratio (HR) = 2.64, 95% CI 1.42-4.33), after adjustment for potential confounders, the association of vitamin D status and mortality became non-significant (HR = 1.46, 95% CI 0.71-3.00). The present study provides evidence that pre-transplant serum vitamin D levels may be a predictor for ACR in patients with cirrhosis undergoing LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danial Fotros
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadhassan Sohouli
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Yari
- Department of Nutrition Research, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hanie Sakhdari
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Science, Babol, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Shafiekhani
- Shiraz Organ Transplant Center, Abu-Ali Sina Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Shiraz Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hamed Nikoupour
- Shiraz Organ Transplant Center, Abu-Ali Sina Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Shiraz Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Keynoosh Jafari
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | | | - Mahmoud Amiri
- Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hesameddin Eghlimi
- Department of General Surgery, Ayatollah Taleghani Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhassan Rabbani
- Department of General Surgery, Ayatollah Taleghani Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasrin Broumandnia
- Urology and Nephrology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ghazaleh Mahdavi Mazdeh
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Jafarian
- Division of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Liver Transplantation Surgery, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azita Hekmatdoost
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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