1
|
Verma S, Hingwala J, Low JTS, Patel AA, Verma M, Bremner S, Haddadin Y, Shinall MC, Komenda P, Ufere NN. Palliative clinical trials in advanced chronic liver disease: Challenges and opportunities. J Hepatol 2023; 79:1236-1253. [PMID: 37419393 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.06.018] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Patients with advanced chronic liver disease have a complex symptom burden and many are not candidates for curative therapy. Despite this, provision of palliative interventions remains woefully inadequate, with an insufficient evidence base being a contributory factor. Designing and conducting palliative interventional trials in advanced chronic liver disease remains challenging for a multitude of reasons. In this manuscript we review past and ongoing palliative interventional trials. We identify barriers and facilitators and offer guidance on addressing these challenges. We hope that this will reduce the inequity in palliative care provision in advanced chronic liver disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sumita Verma
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School and University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK.
| | - Jay Hingwala
- University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | | | - Arpan A Patel
- Division of Digestive Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles, USA; Department of Gastroenterology, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Manisha Verma
- Department of Medicine, Einstein Healthcare Network, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stephen Bremner
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School and University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Yazan Haddadin
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School and University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
| | | | - Paul Komenda
- University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cooper M, Pollard A, Pandey A, Bremner S, Macken L, Evans CJ, Austin M, Parnell N, Steer S, Thomson S, Hashim A, Mason L, Verma S. Palliative Long-Term Abdominal Drains Versus Large Volume Paracentesis in Refractory Ascites Due to Cirrhosis (REDUCe Study): Qualitative Outcomes. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 62:312-325.e2. [PMID: 33348031 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Palliative care remains suboptimal in end-stage liver disease (ESLD). OBJECTIVES We report qualitative outcomes from the REDUCe study. We aimed to explore and contrast experiences/perceptions/care pathways of patients with refractory ascites due to ESLD randomized to either palliative long-term abdominal drains (LTADs) (allow home drainage) vs. large volume paracentesis (LVP) (hospital drainage). METHODS Concurrent embedded qualitative study in a 12-week feasibility randomized controlled trial. Telephone interviews were conducted, data being recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using applied thematic analysis, considered in terms of a pathway approach toward accessing health care. Quantitative outcomes were collected (integrated palliative outcome scale, short-form liver disease quality of life, EQ-5D-5 L, Zarit Burden Interview-12). RESULTS Fourteen patients (six allocated LTAD and eight LVP) and eight nurses participated in the qualitative study. The patient journey in the LVP group could be hindered by challenges along the entire care pathway, from recognizing the need for drainage to a lengthy wait in hospital for drainage and/or to be discharged. These issues also impacted upon caregivers. In contrast, LTADs appeared to transform this care pathway at all levels across the patient's journey by removing the need for hospital drainage. Additional benefits included personalized care, improved symptom control of ascites, being at home, and regular support from community nurses. Nurses also viewed the LTAD favorably, though expressed the need for additional support should this become standard of care. CONCLUSION Patients and nurses expressed acceptability of palliative LTAD in ESLD and preference for this approach in enabling care at home. Proceeding to a definitive trial is feasible. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN30697116, date assigned: 07/10/2015.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Max Cooper
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Alex Pollard
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Aparajita Pandey
- Research & Development Department, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
| | | | - Lucia Macken
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Catherine J Evans
- Kings College, Cicely Saunders Institute, Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, London, UK; Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Mark Austin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Nick Parnell
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Shani Steer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Sam Thomson
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Western Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Worthing, UK
| | - Ahmed Hashim
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Louise Mason
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Sumita Verma
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals Trust, Brighton, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Matsumoto N, Ogawa M, Kanda T, Matsuoka S, Moriyama M, Matsusaki K. Large-volume cell-free and concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy improves venous flow in patients with liver cirrhosis. J Med Ultrason (2001) 2021; 48:315-322. [PMID: 33835337 DOI: 10.1007/s10396-021-01094-2] [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: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hemodynamic change after total paracentesis was investigated because it might lead to various complications. Although cell-free and concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy (CART) is safer and more effective than total paracentesis in theory, hemodynamic change after CART has been never reported. And previous studies did not mention hemodynamics of the venous system. METHODS We investigated the hemodynamic change, including that of the venous system, before and after CART using color Doppler ultrasonography and fast Fourier transform analysis. Twenty-eight patients with tensive cirrhotic ascites underwent ultrasonography the day before and after total volume CART. The diameter and velocity of the main, right, and left portal vein; inferior vena cava (IVC); and right renal vein were measured using ultrasonography. RESULTS A total of 11.8 ± 4.4 L of ascites (range 3.6-20.9 L) was filtered and concentrated to 0.85 ± 0.40 L (range 0.36-1.50 L). The diameter of the IVC increased from median 13.5 ± 5.4 mm (range 4-25 mm) to 18.5 ± 4.1 mm (range 7-29 mm) (p = 0.007). The diameter of the right segmental renal vein significantly increased after KM-CART [from 5.0 ± 1.0 (4-8) mm to 7.0 ± 2.0 (3-10) mm] (p = 0.011). Hemodynamic change of the portal venous system was not significant. The time to the next CART in patients with an IVC diameter ≥ 20 mm and < 20 mm was 86 days and 20.5 days (p = 0.035), respectively. CONCLUSION Tensive ascites results in venous congestion in patients with cirrhotic ascites. CART improved venous flow, but it did not change the hemodynamics of the portal venous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Matsumoto
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 Oyaguchi Kamimachi, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-8610, Japan.
| | - Masahiro Ogawa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 Oyaguchi Kamimachi, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-8610, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Kanda
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 Oyaguchi Kamimachi, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-8610, Japan
| | - Shunichi Matsuoka
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 Oyaguchi Kamimachi, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-8610, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiko Moriyama
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 Oyaguchi Kamimachi, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-8610, Japan
| | - Keisuke Matsusaki
- Ascites Treatment Center, Kanamecho Hospital, 1-11-13 Kanamecho, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, 171-0043, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Abstract
Obesity is increasing in prevalence in liver transplant candidates and recipients. The rise in liver transplantation for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis reflects this increase. Management of obesity in liver transplant candidates can be challenging due to the presence of decompensated cirrhosis and sarcopenia. Obesity may increase peritransplant morbidity but does not have an impact on long-term post-transplant survival. Bariatric surgery may be a feasible option in select patients before, during, or after liver transplantation. Use of weight loss drugs and/or endoscopic therapies for obesity management ultimately may play a role in liver transplant patients, but more research is needed to determine safety.
Collapse
|
5
|
Kawaratani H, Moriya K, Namisaki T, Shimozato N, Kaji K, Takaya H, Fujinaga Y, Sawada Y, Sato S, Saikawa S, Kubo T, Akahane T, Fukui H, Yoshiji H. Ascites symptom inventory-7 is a valuable tool for evaluating the effectiveness of tolvaptan in patients with cirrhotic ascites. Exp Ther Med 2020; 21:30. [PMID: 33262816 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.9462] [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: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with liver cirrhosis frequently experience non-specific symptoms and report severe reductions in their quality of life (QOL). The underlying mechanisms of the disease are multifactorial that may be specific to the disease or directly related to the liver. The major concern of liver cirrhosis with ascites, however, is the decreased QOL. Therefore, in the present study, the Ascites Symptom Inventory-7 (ASI-7) questionnaire was applied to subjectively evaluate the symptoms in patients with cirrhotic ascites following tolvaptan administration. In total, 69 patients with liver cirrhosis with ascites hospitalized to Nara Medical University were evaluated after being treated with tolvaptan (3.75-7.5 mg/day) and conventional diuretics between December 2013 and April 2018. A follow-up assessment was conducted 7 days after tolvaptan treatment, whilst ASI-7 was used on days 1 and 8 of the study. After an uneventful 7-day tolvaptan treatment regimens, 49 patients (71.0%) lost >1.5 kg of their body weight, who were referred to as responders, with the change in the ASI-7 score being found to correlate with the body weight change. By contrast, changes in urine volume did not correlate with those in the ASI-7 score. The responders experienced a greater reduction in the ASI-7 score after 7 days compared with those in the non-responders (P<0.01). ASI-7 scores were also found to correlate with body weight after tolvaptan administration. In conclusion, ASI-7 accurately reflected changes in body weight but not urine volume and results of the study highlighted the value of ASI-7 in the evaluation of ascitic volume and effectiveness of tolvaptan in cirrhotic ascites. The present clinical trial was registered onto the UMIN-Clinical Trial Registry on 1st March 2014 (registration no. UMIN000013095).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hideto Kawaratani
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Kei Moriya
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Tadashi Namisaki
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Naotaka Shimozato
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Kosuke Kaji
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Takaya
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Yukihisa Fujinaga
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Sawada
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Shinya Sato
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Soichiro Saikawa
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Takuya Kubo
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Takemi Akahane
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Fukui
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Yoshiji
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bernts LHP, Drenth JPH, Tjwa ETTL. Management of portal hypertension and ascites in polycystic liver disease. Liver Int 2019; 39:2024-2033. [PMID: 31505092 PMCID: PMC6899472 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Patients suffering from polycystic liver disease may develop Hepatic Venous Outflow Obstruction, Portal Vein Obstruction and/or Inferior Caval Vein Syndrome because of cystic mass effect. This can cause portal hypertension, leading to ascites, variceal haemorrhage or splenomegaly. For this review, we evaluate the evidence to provide clinical guidance for physicians faced with this complication. Diagnosis is made with imaging such as ultrasound, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Therapy includes conventional therapy with diuretics and paracentesis, and medical therapy using somatostatin analogues. Based on disease phenotype various (non-)surgical liver-volume reducing therapies, hepatic or portal venous stenting, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts and liver transplantation may be considered. Because of complicated anatomy, use of high-risk interventions and lack of empirical evidence, patients should be treated in expert centres.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucas H. P. Bernts
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyRadboud Institute for Molecular Life SciencesRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Joost P. H. Drenth
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyRadboud Institute for Molecular Life SciencesRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Eric T. T. L. Tjwa
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyRadboud Institute for Molecular Life SciencesRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|