Management of patients with cirrhosis in Southern California: results of a practitioner survey

The Burden of Rehospitalization for Patients With Liver Cirrhosis

Advanced liver disease is becoming more prevalent in the United States. This increase has been attributed largely to the growing epidemic of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and an aging population infected with hepatitis C. Complications of cirrhosis are a major cause of hospital admissions and readmissions. It is important to target efforts for preventing rehospitalization toward patients with cirrhosis who are at the highest risk for readmission, such as those who have high Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores, are at risk for fluid/electrolyte abnormalities or overt hepatic encephalopathy recurrence, and those who have comorbid conditions (e.g. diabetes). The heart failure management paradigm may provide valuable insights for managing patients with cirrhosis, given the extensive research on preventing hospital readmission and improving health care utilization in this subpopulation. As quality measures related to hospital readmissions for cirrhosis and its complications are adopted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and private payers in the future, understanding drivers of hospital readmissions and health care utilization in this vulnerable population are key to improving quality measure performance.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma Screening and Surveillance: Practice Guidelines and Real-Life Practice

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the seventh most common malignancy worldwide. HCC meets all the criteria established by the World Health Organization for performing surveillance on those at-risk for developing cancer. Although there are consensus guidelines in the United States, Europe, and Asia for HCC surveillance, it is unclear if these guidelines are regularly implemented in routine practice to optimize real-life clinical outcomes. We reviewed the current literature on the adherence to current HCC practice guidelines by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (2009), the European Association for the Study of the Liver (2012), and the Asia Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (2010) for screening/surveillance and outcomes of optimal versus poor adherence. We performed PubMed search for relevant articles regarding HCC surveillance and screening worldwide. Currently, HCC screening is underutilized to a large extent. In most studies, the adherence to HCC screening and surveillance is suboptimal. Various patient, provider, and health care system factors may have all contributed to such nonadherence. Strategies to improve HCC screening and surveillance are urgently needed for early HCC detection and improved survival of HCC patients. Further research is needed to elucidate the various medical and/or cultural knowledge, belief, and practice patterns that can lead to barriers to HCC screening and surveillance at both patient and provider levels. These data will help focus and target advocacy and educational efforts to improve HCC surveillance at all levels: patients, providers, and health care system/government.

Could Adherence to Quality of Care Indicators for Hospitalized Patients With Cirrhosis-Related Ascites Improve Clinical Outcomes?

OBJECTIVES

The diagnosis of cirrhotic ascites is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and reduced health-related quality of life. Adherence by health professionals to quality indicators (QIs) of care for ascites is low. We evaluated the effect of adherence to ascites QIs on clinical outcomes for patients hospitalized with new onset cirrhotic ascites.

METHODS

The medical records of 302 patients admitted with new onset cirrhotic ascites were interrogated for demographic and clinical data and adherence to eight Delphi panel-derived QIs for ascites management. Associations between adherence to each QI and 30-day emergent readmission and 90-day mortality were analyzed.

RESULTS

The majority of patients were males (68.9%) over 50 years of age (mean 57±12.83 years) with alcohol-related cirrhosis (59%). Twenty-nine percent were readmitted within 30 days. Patients who received an abdominal paracentesis within 30 days of ascites diagnosis (QI 1, relative risk (RR) 0.41, P=0.004) or during index hospitalization (QI 2, RR 0.57, P=0.006) were significantly less likely to experience a 30-day emergent readmission. Baseline serum bilirubin >2.5 mg/dl was associated with increased 30-day cirrhosis-related readmission (RR 1.51, P=0.03). A total of 18.5% of patients died within 90 days of index admission; median interval to death was 139 days (37-562 days). Pneumonia was the most frequent cause of death. Independent predictors of 90-day mortality included older age (odds ratio (OR) 1.03, P=0.03), increased Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD)-Na score (OR 1.06, P=0.05), primary SBP prophylaxis (QI 7, OR 2.30, P=0.04), and readmission within 30 days (OR 30.26, P<0.001). Discharge prescription of diuretics (QI 8, OR 0.28, P=0.01) was associated with reduced 90-day mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Early paracentesis in patients with new onset cirrhotic ascites lowers 30-day readmission rates, and early initiation of diuretic therapy lowers 90-day mortality.

Risk of Bacterial Infection in Patients With Cirrhosis and Acute Variceal Hemorrhage, Based on Child-Pugh Class, and Effects of Antibiotics

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Antibiotics frequently are overused and are associated with serious adverse events in patients with cirrhosis. However, these drugs are recommended for all patients presenting with acute variceal hemorrhage (AVH). We investigated whether patients should be stratified for antibiotic prophylaxis based on Child-Pugh scores, to estimate risks of bacterial infection, rebleeding, and mortality, and whether antibiotics have equal effects on patients of all Child-Pugh classes. We performed a sensitivity analysis using model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores.

METHODS

In a retrospective study, we analyzed data from 381 adult patients with cirrhosis and AVH (70% men; mean age, 56 y), admitted from 2000 through 2009 to 2 tertiary care hospitals in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. We excluded patients with bacterial infection on the day of AVH. The association between antibiotic prophylaxis and outcomes was adjusted by liver disease severity and by a propensity score.

RESULTS

The patients included in the study had mean MELD scores of 16, and 54% received antibiotic prophylaxis. Overall, antibiotic therapy was associated with lower risks of infection (adjusted odds ratio, 0.37; 95% confidence interval, 0.91-0.74) and mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.31-1.29). Among patients categorized as Child-Pugh class A given antibiotics, only 2% developed infections and the mortality rate was 0.4%. Among patients categorized as Child-Pugh class B given antibiotics, 6% developed infections, compared with 14% of patients who did not receive antibiotics; antibiotics did not affect mortality. Administration of antibiotics to patients categorized as Child-Pugh class C reduced infections and mortality by approximately 50%, compared with patients who did not receive antibiotics. MELD scores were not as useful as Child-Pugh class in identifying patients at risk for infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on a retrospective analysis of patients with cirrhosis and AVH, those categorized as Child-Pugh class A had lower rates of bacterial infection and lower mortality rates in the absence of antibiotic prophylaxis than patients categorized as classes B or C. The recommendation for routine antibiotic prophylaxis for this subgroup requires further evaluation.

Outcomes associated with a mandatory gastroenterology consultation to improve the quality of care of patients hospitalized with decompensated cirrhosis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Patients with decompensated cirrhosis (DC) have significant morbidity and resource utilization. In a cohort of patients with DC undergoing usual care (UC) in 2009, we demonstrated that quality indicators (QI) were met <50% of the time. We established a gastroenterology mandatory consultation (MC) to improve the care of patients with DC. We sought to evaluate the impact of the MC intervention on adherence to QI, and compared outcomes to UC.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study with historic control examining all admissions in a year for DC at an academic medical center. All admissions were seen by a gastroenterologist encouraged to implement QIs (MC). Scores were calculated for each group per admission as the proportion of QIs met versus QIs for which the patient was eligible. QI scores were examined as a function of group assignment multivariable fractional logit regression. We evaluated the impact of the intervention on compliance with QIs, length of stay (LOS), 30-day readmission, and inpatient death.

RESULTS

Three hundred three patients were observed in 695 hospitalizations (149 patients in 379 admissions [UC]; 154 patients in 316 admissions [MC]). The QI score was significantly higher in the MC group than the UC group (77.0% vs 46.0%, P < 0.001), reflecting better management of ascites and documentation of transplant evaluation. The management of variceal bleeding improved also but did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

The MC intervention was associated with greater adherence to recommended care but was not powered to detect difference in LOS, readmission, or mortality rates.

Practice patterns and attitudes of primary care providers and barriers to surveillance of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Fewer than 20% of patients with cirrhosis undergo surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), therefore these tumors often are detected at late stages. Although primary care providers (PCPs) care for 60% of patients with cirrhosis in the United States, little is known about their practice patterns for HCC surveillance. We investigated factors associated with adherence to guidelines for HCC surveillance by PCPs.

METHODS

We conducted a web-based survey of all 131 PCPs at a large urban hospital. The survey was derived from validated surveys and pretested among providers; it included questions about provider and practice characteristics, self-reported rates of surveillance, surveillance test and frequency preference, and attitudes and barriers to HCC surveillance.

RESULTS

We obtained a clinic-level response rate of 100% and a provider-level response rate of 60%. Only 65% of respondents reported annual surveillance and 15% reported biannual surveillance of patients for HCC. Barriers to HCC surveillance included not being up-to-date with HCC guidelines (68% of PCPs), difficulties in communicating effectively with patients about HCC surveillance (56%), and more important issues to manage in the clinic (52%). Approximately half of PCPs (52%) reported using ultrasound or measurements of α-fetoprotein in surveillance; 96% said that this combination was effective in reducing HCC-related mortality. However, many providers incorrectly believed that clinical examination (45%) or levels of liver enzymes (59%) or α-fetoprotein alone (89%) were effective surveillance tools.

CONCLUSIONS

PCPs have misconceptions about tests to detect HCC that contribute to ineffective surveillance. Reported barriers to surveillance include suboptimal knowledge about guidelines, indicating a need for interventions, including provider education, to increase HCC surveillance effectiveness.

Hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance: a national survey of current practices in the USA

BACKGROUND

The incidence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the USA is rapidly rising. Surveillance using biannual ultrasound (US) is recommended, but actual practices are unknown.

AIM

To determine current HCC surveillance practices among gastroenterology and hepatology providers in the USA.

METHODS

A 21-question electronic survey was emailed to 12,485 gastroenterology and hepatology providers in the USA. The survey contained questions concerning provider background, surveillance practices, and opinions. Pearson chi-square and multivariate logistic regression tests were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

We received 777 responses (6.2% response rate); 656 were eligible for analysis. 92% place cirrhotic patients under surveillance independent of etiology, 79% exclusively use a 6-month interval, and 77% use alpha-fetoprotein. While 93% use US, only 36% use US exclusively and 60% use two or more imaging modalities. Providers from transplant centers favor using additional imaging modalities, instead of only US. Multivariate analysis showed transplant center providers who allocate more time to patient care (OR 1.96, p = 0.004) and see more cirrhotic patients (OR 2.07, p = 0.033) have increased odds of using additional imaging modalities.

CONCLUSIONS

Participating providers reported very high rates of surveillance utilization and use of a biannual interval. It is likely that the sample is composed of providers who are very engaged and informed about HCC surveillance. However, their surveillance imaging practices largely deviated from practice guidelines, which all recommend only using US. Providers affiliated with transplant centers tend to use additional imaging modalities such as computed tomography and MRI, instead of US only.

Measurement of the quality of care of patients admitted with decompensated cirrhosis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Process-based quality measures are increasingly used to evaluate hospital performance. However, practices vary, and patients with cirrhosis are a challenge to manage, given their risks of mortality, morbidity, and resources utilization. In 2010, process-based quality measures were developed to improve the care of these patients. We examined adherence with these quality measures for a cohort of patients admitted with decompensated cirrhosis in 2009.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients admitted to a tertiary-care hospital with decompensated cirrhosis in 2009 (n = 149,379) hospitalizations. Quality indicator (QI) scores were calculated for each admission as a fraction, i.e., the number of quality markers met divided by the number of possible quality indices, given the patient's presentation (range, 0-1). QI scores were correlated with patient characteristics and clinical outcomes (30-day readmission; inpatient death).

RESULTS

Quality indicators were met 45% of the time (95% confidence interval, 40-51%). In multivariable analysis, QI scores were significantly lower among non-English-speaking patients and those who had congestive heart failure. QI scores were higher among patients with gastrointestinal bleeding or encephalopathy-related admission to the hospital. QI scores were not associated with inpatient mortality or 30-day readmission.

CONCLUSION

There is substantial opportunity to improve the care of patients hospitalized for decompensated cirrhosis. Additional research is needed to identify effective strategies for closing gaps in care. Adherence to quality measures did not affect clinical outcomes, but if easily measured in other settings could be used to compare hospitals and practices.

The quality of care provided to patients with cirrhosis and ascites in the Department of Veterans Affairs

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Ascites are the most common complication of cirrhosis. Evidence-based guidelines define the criteria and standards of care for patients with cirrhosis and ascites. However, little is known about the extent to which patients with ascites meet these standards.

METHODS

We evaluated the quality of ascites care, measured by 8 explicit Delphi panel-derived quality indicators, in 774 patients with cirrhosis and ascites, seen at 3 Veterans Affairs Medical Centers between 2000 and 2007. We also conducted a structured implicit review of patients' medical charts to determine whether patient refusal, outside care, or other justifiable exceptions to care processes account for nonadherence to the quality indicators.

RESULTS

Quality scores (maximum 100%) varied among individual indicators, ranging from 30% for secondary prophylaxis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, to 90% for assays for cell number and type in the paracentesis fluid. In general, care targeted at treatment was more likely to meet standards than preventive care. Only 33.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 29.9%-32.9%) of patients received all recommended care. Patients with no comorbidity (Deyo index 0 vs >3; odds ratio = 2.21; 95% CI: 1.43-3.43), who saw a gastroenterologist (odds ratio = 1.33; 95% CI, 1.01-1.74), or were seen in a facility with academic affiliation (odds ratio = 1.73; 95% CI: 1.29-2.35) received higher-quality care. Justifiable exceptions to indicated care, documented in charts, were common for patients with paracentesis after diagnosis with ascites, patients that received antibiotics for gastrointestinal bleeding, and patients that required diuretics. However, most patients did not have an explanation documented for nonadherence to recommended care.

CONCLUSIONS

Health care quality, measured by whether patients received recommended services, was suboptimal for patients with cirrhosis-related ascites. Care that included gastroenterologists was associated with high quality. However, for some of the quality indicators, too many denominator exceptions existed to allow for accurate automated measurement.

Can quality of care for patients with cirrhosis be measured?

INTRODUCTION

The ultimate purpose of measuring quality of care is to discriminate between healthcare providers in order to motivate improvement. Recently, a set of evidence-based indicators has been proposed for measurement of processes of care for patients with cirrhosis, for example early endoscopy for variceal bleeding. The objective of this study was to determine whether these indicators can be measured in a reliable and automated fashion in routine practice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We applied the top five indicators, based on agreement of a panel of experts, to hospitalized adults at our institution over a 3-year period.

RESULTS

Only two of the indicators could be reliably measured on the basis of the published wording, and these two still required physician chart review. After applying some assumptions, the indicators were met in 46-100% of cases. None of the indicators was linked to a single physician or institution in all cases, and none occurred with sufficient frequency to discriminate quality between providers.

CONCLUSION

Measuring quality of care in cirrhosis is a laudable objective, but current indicators are not yet ready for administrative use.

Detection and grading of esophageal varices on liver CT: comparison of standard and thin-section multiplanar reconstructions in diagnostic accuracy

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our study was to evaluate the performance of liver CT in the diagnosis of esophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis and to determine whether thin-section multiplanar reconstructions (MPRs) improve accuracy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We identified 109 patients with cirrhosis who underwent endoscopy within 10 weeks after dual-phase liver MDCT supplemented with thin-section axial and coronal portal venous phase reconstructions. Two blinded radiologists independently evaluated each CT examination for the presence and sizes of varices using standard 5-mm axial versus 1- to 3-mm multiplanar images in separate sessions. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value calculations and receiver operating characteristic analysis were performed using endoscopy as the reference standard. Interobserver variability and correlation of CT size to variceal grade were assessed.

RESULTS

Twenty-six cases of high-risk esophageal varices were identified; all except two were detected on CT by one of the readers on standard 5-mm images. For both readers, sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) for the discrimination of high-risk varices using a criterion of 2 mm or greater were nearly the same for the standard 5-mm images versus the 1- to 3-mm multiplanar images (sensitivity and NPV: reader 1, 96% and 98% vs 96% and 99%; reader 2, and 89% and 95% vs 89% and 96%, respectively). Standard 5-mm images yielded a lower specificity for high-risk esophageal varices than the thin-section multiplanar images, and this difference was statistically significant for reader 2. Substantial interobserver agreement was noted for both esophageal varices detection and size measurements.

CONCLUSION

Standard liver CT is sensitive for the detection of high-risk varices and deserves further investigation as a potential cost-effective screening tool for the evaluation of patients with cirrhosis. The addition of 1- to 3-mm MPRs may increase specificity for risk stratification based on size measurements.

Potential preventability of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

BACKGROUND

Antibiotic prophylaxis can reduce the incidence of the first episode and recurrent episodes of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in high-risk cirrhotic patients. However, recent data suggest that SBP prophylaxis may be underused. It is unclear how many cases of cirrhosis that develop SBP might actually be prevented with antibiotic prophylaxis.

AIMS

To determine the number of "preventable" cases of SBP and the adherence to standard guidelines for the use of antibiotic prophylaxis.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of our patients diagnosed with SBP was performed. AASLD Guidelines (2004) for SBP prophylaxis include prior SBP, gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage, ascitic fluid (AF), protein ≤ 1 g/dl, or serum bilirubin ≥ 2.5 mg/dl. "Preventable (P) SBP" was defined as SBP occurring where prophylaxis was indicated but was not administered. "Non-preventable (NP) SBP" was defined as SBP that occurred despite proper adherence to the guidelines. "Inevitable (I) SBP" were those cases of SBP occurring in the absence of a documented indication for prophylaxis.

RESULTS

A total of 259 patients with cirrhosis underwent paracentesis; 29 had confirmed SBP. Eighteen of the 29 patients (62%) had "P-SBP", one (3%) had "NP-SBP", and ten (34%) had "I-SBP". In the P-SBP cases, the overlooked indications for prophylaxis were GI hemorrhage (n, %) (8, 44%), serum bilirubin ≥ 2.5 mg/dl (6, 33%), prior SBP (2, 11%) and AF protein ≤ 1 g/dl (2, 11%). Of the P-SBP, 78% were community-acquired; 22% were nosocomial. In-hospital mortality in the P-SBP was 16% (n = 3). Only one-third of patients who survived SBP received long-term outpatient prophylaxis after discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

Many cases of SBP could be prevented by adhering to the AASLD guidelines. GI hemorrhage is the most frequently overlooked indication for SBP prophylaxis. Studies identifying the reasons for non-adherence to guidelines and developing interventions to increase utilization are warranted.

CT and MRI improve detection of hepatocellular carcinoma, compared with ultrasound alone, in patients with cirrhosis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

In patients with cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is detected by ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); US is recommended for screening and surveillance. We performed a retrospective analysis of the abilities of these cross-sectional imaging modalities to detect HCC.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 638 consecutive adult patients with cirrhosis who received liver transplants within 6 months of imaging at a tertiary care institution. Imaging reports and serum alpha-fetoprotein levels were compared with results from pathology analysis of explants as the reference standard. Sensitivities of US, CT, and MRI were calculated overall and in defined size categories. False-positive imaging results and patient-based specificities were evaluated.

RESULTS

Of the 638 patients, 225 (35%) had HCC, confirmed by pathology analysis of liver explants. In 23 cases, the lesions were infiltrative or extensively multifocal. In the remaining 202 explants (337 numerable, discrete nodules), respective lesion-based sensitivities of US, CT, and MRI were 46%, 65%, and 72% overall and 21%, 40%, and 47% for small (<2 cm) HCC. The sensitivity of US increased with the availability of CT or MRI data (P = .049); sensitivity values were 62% and 85% for lesions 2-4 and ≥ 4 cm, respectively. Patient-based specificities of US, CT, and MRI were 96%, 96%, and 87%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

US, CT, and MRI did not detect small HCC lesions with high levels of sensitivity, although CT and MRI provide substantial improvements over unenhanced US in patients with cirrhosis who received liver transplants.

An explicit quality indicator set for measurement of quality of care in patients with cirrhosis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Cirrhosis is a prevalent and expensive condition. With an increasing emphasis on quality in health care and recognition of inconsistencies in the management of patients with cirrhosis, we established a set of explicit quality indicators (QIs) for their treatment.

METHODS

We organized an 11-member, multidisciplinary expert panel and followed modified Delphi methods to systematically identify a set of QIs for cirrhosis. We provided the panel with a report that summarized the results of a comprehensive literature review of data linking candidate QIs to outcomes. The panel performed independent ratings of each candidate QI by using a standard 9-point RAND appropriateness scale (RAS) (ranging from 1 = not appropriate to 9 = most appropriate). The panel members then met, reviewed the ratings, and voted again by using an iterative process of discussion. The final set of QIs was selected; QIs had a median RAS >7, and panel members agreed on those selected.

RESULTS

Among 169 candidate QIs, the panel rated 41 QIs as valid measures of quality care. The selected QIs cover 6 domains of care including ascites (13 QIs), variceal bleeding (18 QIs), hepatic encephalopathy (4 QIs), hepatocellular cancer (1 QI), liver transplantation (2 QIs), and general cirrhosis care (3 QIs). Content coverage included prevention, diagnosis, treatment, timeliness, and follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed an explicit set of evidence-based QIs for treatment of cirrhosis. These provide physicians and institutions with a tool to identify processes amenable to quality improvement. This tool is intended to be applicable in any setting where care for patients with cirrhosis is provided.

Hepatitis C performance measure on hepatitis A and B vaccination: missed opportunities?

OBJECTIVES

Prevention of hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) through vaccination is endorsed by all major professional societies. This study was conducted to determine adherence to the recently adopted physician performance measure on HAV and HBV vaccination.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study. Hepatitis A and B serology data and immunization records between 2000 and 2007 from CHC patients with detectable hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 2,968 CHC patients were included in the study. Of these, 2,143 patients (72%) were tested for susceptibility to HAV, of which 53% had immunity. Of the non-immune patients, 746 (74%) were vaccinated as well as an additional 218 without prior testing. For HBV, 2,303 patients (78%) were tested for immunity and 782 (34%) were immune. Of the susceptible patients, 1,086 (71%) were vaccinated as well as an additional 197 patients without prior testing. The overall vaccination performance measure adherence rate was 71% for HAV, 70% for HBV, and 62% for both HAV and HBV. Random review of 176 charts found the major reasons for non-adherence were missed opportunity (41%), change of health care system (31%), and documented vaccination outside our health care system (22%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study found a high and improved adherence to the recommendations, but missed opportunity was still the main reason of non-adherence. This study also supported the strategy of selective vaccination in the veteran population.

Oral antibiotic prophylaxis reduces spontaneous bacterial peritonitis occurrence and improves short-term survival in cirrhosis: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a serious complication of advanced liver disease resulting in high mortality rates. Although studies that assessed the use of oral antibiotics in advanced liver disease demonstrated a clear benefit in reducing the risk of recurrent peritonitis, it is unclear whether mortality rates are similarly affected by this practice. The goal of this study was to determine whether oral antibiotic therapy provides a survival benefit for patients with advanced cirrhosis and ascites. Through subgroup analysis, we also evaluated the effect of prophylactic oral antibiotic therapy on the prevention of SBP and the incidence of all infections (including SBP) when compared with non-treated or placebo controls.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive search of the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, MEDLINE (1966 to May 2008), bibliographies of retrieved trials, and reports presented at major scientific meetings. Eligible studies included prospective, randomized controlled trials comparing high-risk cirrhotic patients receiving oral antibiotic prophylaxis for SBP with groups receiving placebo or no intervention. Dichotomous outcomes were reported as relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Eight studies with a total of 647 patients were identified and included in this analysis. The combined analysis showed an overall mortality benefit (RR=0.65; 95% CI, 0.48-0.88) for treatment groups. The overall mortality rate was 16% (52/324) for treated patients and 25% (81/323) for the control group. Groups treated with prophylactic antibiotics also demonstrated a lower incidence of all infections (including SBP) of 6.2% as compared with the control groups with a rate of 22.2% (RR=0.32; P<0.00001; 95% CI, 0.20-0.51). Subgroup analysis showed a survival benefit at 3 months (RR=0.28; P=0.005; 95% CI, 0.12-0.68).

CONCLUSIONS

Antibiotic prophylaxis improved short-term survival in treated patients when compared with untreated control groups and reduced the overall risk of infections, including SBP, during follow-up. In summary, antibiotic prophylaxis should be considered for high-risk cirrhotic patients with ascites.

Hepatitis vaccination in patients with hepatitis C: practice and validation of codes at a large Veterans Administration Medical Centre

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis vaccination is recommended in patients with chronic liver disease.

AIM

To validate Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes and drug codes for hepatitis vaccination in administrative databases and determine vaccination rates in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients in a single large Veterans Administration Medical Center.

METHODS

We calculated predictive values for hepatitis vaccination codes in a validation set of 168 patients. We then conducted a retrospective cohort study of 243 HCV-infected patients to determine rates of hepatitis vaccination and serological testing.

RESULTS

The presence of CPT or drug codes for hepatitis A vaccine yielded a positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 93.2% and 94.0%. The presence of hepatitis B vaccine codes yielded a PPV of 98.0% and an NPV of 94.0%. Among patients diagnosed with HCV between 2000 and 2005, receipt of hepatitis vaccination was documented in approximately 8% overall and 7% in patients with cirrhosis. Half of the patients without hepatitis vaccinations were either not tested for immunity or had negative serology.

CONCLUSIONS

Current Procedural Terminology or drug codes for hepatitis vaccinations in administrative data are highly predictive of the presence of vaccinations in medical records. Our data suggest that there is significant under-utilization of vaccination in patients with HCV.