Age and ethnicity in cirrhosis

Comorbidities and complications in adult and paediatric patients with pyruvate kinase deficiency: Analysis from the Peak Registry

Pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency, a rare, congenital haemolytic anaemia caused by mutations in the PKLR gene, is associated with many clinical manifestations, but the full disease burden has yet to be characterised. The Peak Registry (NCT03481738) is an observational, longitudinal registry of adult and paediatric patients with PK deficiency. Here, we described comorbidities and complications in these patients by age at most recent visit and PKLR genotype. As of 13 May 2022, 241 patients were included in the analysis. In total, 48.3% had undergone splenectomy and 50.5% had received chelation therapy. History of iron overload (before enrolment/during follow-up) was common (52.5%), even in never-transfused patients (20.7%). Neonatal complications and symptoms included jaundice, splenomegaly and hepatomegaly, with treatment interventions required in 41.5%. Among adults, osteopenia/osteoporosis occurred in 19.0% and pulmonary hypertension in 6.7%, with median onset ages of 37, 33 and 22 years, respectively. Biliary events and bone health problems were common across PKLR genotypes. Among 11 patients who had thromboembolic events, eight had undergone prior splenectomy. Patients with PK deficiency may have many complications, which can occur early in and throughout life. Awareness of their high disease burden may help clinicians better provide appropriate monitoring and management of these patients.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on non-COVID-associated mortality: A descriptive longitudinal study of UK data

Background

It has been previously reported in the literature that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in overall excess deaths and an increase in non-COVID deaths during the pandemic period.Specifically, our research elucidates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on non-COVID associated mortality.

Study aim

To compare mortality rates in non-COVID conditions before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in England and Wales.

Study design

Annual mortality data for the years 2011-2019 (pre-pandemic) and 2020 (pandemic) in England and Wales were retrieved from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). These data were filtered by ICD-10 codes for nine conditions with high associated mortality. We calculated mortality numbers - overall and age stratified (20-64 and 65+ years) and rates per 100 000, using annual mid-year population estimates.

Methods

Interrupted time series analyses were conducted using segmented quasi-Poisson regression to identify whether there was a statistically significant change (p < 0.05) in condition-specific death rates following the pandemic onset.

Results

Eight of the nine conditions investigated in this study had significant changes in mortality rate during the pandemic period (2020). All-age mortality rate was significantly increased in: 'Symptoms Signs and Ill-defined conditions', 'Cirrhosis and Other Diseases of the Liver', and 'Malignant Neoplasm of the Breast', whereas 'Chronic Lower Respiratory Disorders' saw a significant decrease. Age-stratified analyses also revealed significant increases in the 20-64 age-group in: 'Cerebrovascular Disorders', 'Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease', and 'Ischaemic Heart Diseases'.

Conclusion

Trends in non-COVID condition-specific mortality rates from 2011 to 2020 revealed that some non-COVID conditions were disproportionately affected during the pandemic. This may be due to the direct impact COVID-19 had on these conditions or the effect the public health response had on non-COVID risk factor development and condition-related management. Further work is required to understand the reasons behind these disproportionate changes.

The Association between Diet-Exercise Patterns and Cirrhosis: A Cross-Sectional Study from NHANES 2017-March 2020

BACKGROUND

Liver cirrhosis (LC) is one of the most significant causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic liver disease worldwide. Nutrition may be an important component of primary prevention of chronic liver disease. Diet-exercise patterns frame the eating behaviors and exercise habits of people through statistical methods related to nutritional epidemiology, which can explore the relationship between living habits and diseases among diverse populations. The purpose of this study was to explore the association between diet-exercise patterns and cirrhosis, and provide guidance on preventive diets for liver patients.

METHODS

This study identified diet-exercise patterns via clustering analysis of principal components and assessed their association with cirrhosis through the population samples of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2017 to March 2020.

RESULTS

We identified two diet-exercise patterns that were named the "prudent pattern" (consumption of various staple foods, eggs, meat, fruits and vegetables; less sedentary) and the "dangerous pattern" (higher consumption of desserts, nuts, milk, meat, alcoholic beverages; recreational activities). The t-test demonstrated a significant relationship between patterns and multiple foods. The simple logistic regression test showed a lower risk of cirrhosis in those in the "prudent pattern" (OR = 0.73, 95%CI = 0.59-0.93).

CONCLUSIONS

Two diet-exercise patterns associated with cirrhosis were identified: "prudent pattern" and "dangerous pattern". The results of this study may be useful for suggesting preventive diets for people at risk of cirrhosis.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Ethnicity: Lessons Learned from the Arab Population in Israel

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease. We aimed to investigate the potential similarities and differences regarding the disease among Arabs and Jews. Retrospective study included all patients older than 18 years with NAFLD diagnosis according to ICD-10 codes. Data regarding demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes were retrieved using the MdClone platform from "Clalit" in Israel. Data concerning 34,090 Arab patients and 173,500 Jewish patients with NAFLD were included. Arab patients were significantly younger at diagnosis (35.0 ± 13 years vs. 43.6 ± 15 years, p < 0.001) and had higher rates of obesity and diabetes mellitus (69.5% vs. 56.5% and 27.0% vs. 22.7%, p < 0.001, respectively). Arab patients had higher rates of cirrhosis and portal hypertension-related complications (2.5% vs. 2.0%, p < 0.001), esophageal varices (0.9% vs. 0.5%, p < 0.001), spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (0.3% vs. 0.1%, p < 0.001), and hepatorenal syndrome (0.3% vs. 0.1%, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma between study groups (0.4% vs. 0.5%, p = 0.156). Liver transplantation was performed in 0.2% of Arab NAFLD patients compared to 0.07% of Jewish NAFLD patients (p < 0.001). Lower rates of all-cause mortality were found among the Arab NAFLD patients versus Jewish NAFLD patients (7.7% versus 11.5%, p < 0.001). According to the Cox regression model, Arab ethnicity is a risk factor for death with OR of 1.36. Significant differences regarding comorbidities, complications, liver transplantations rates, and all-cause mortality were found among NAFLD patients of different ethnicities, hence specific population need specific consideration in prevention, early diagnosis and follow up.

Comorbidity and multimorbidity in patients with cirrhosis, hospitalised in an internal medicine ward: a monocentric, cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

There are no data regarding the prevalence of comorbidity (ie, additional conditions in reference to an index disease) and multimorbidity (ie, co-occurrence of multiple diseases in which no one holds priority) in patients with liver cirrhosis. We sought to determine the rate and differences between comorbidity and multimorbidity depending on the aetiology of cirrhosis.

DESIGN

This is a subanalysis of the San MAtteo Complexity (SMAC) study. We have analysed demographic, clinical characteristics and rate of comorbidity/multimorbidity of patients with liver cirrhosis depending on the aetiology-alcoholic, infectious and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A multivariable analysis for factors associated with multimorbidity was fitted.

SETTING

Single-centre, cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary referral, academic, internal medicine ward in northern Italy (November 2017-November 2019).

PARTICIPANTS

Data from 1433 patients previously enrolled in the SMAC study were assessed; only those with liver cirrhosis were eventually included.

RESULTS

Of the 1433 patients, 172 (median age 79 years, IQR 67-84; 83 females) had liver cirrhosis. Patients with cirrhosis displayed higher median Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS) comorbidity (4, IQR 3-5; p=0.01) and severity (1.85, IQR 16.-2.0; p<0.001) indexes and lower educational level (103, 59.9%; p=0.003). Patients with alcohol cirrhosis were significantly younger (median 65 years, IQR 56-79) than patients with cirrhosis of other aetiologies (p<0.001) and more commonly males (25, 75.8%). Comorbidity was more prevalent in patients with alcohol cirrhosis (13, 39.4%) and multimorbidity was more prevalent in viral (64, 81.0%) and NAFLD (52, 86.7%) cirrhosis (p=0.015). In a multivariable model for factors associated with multimorbidity, a CIRS comorbidity index >3 (OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.14 to 6.93, p=0.024) and admission related to cirrhosis (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.54, p=0.002) were the only significant associations.

CONCLUSIONS

Comorbidity is more common in alcohol cirrhosis compared with other aetiologies in a hospital, internal medicine setting.

Collaborating with patients and caregivers to create web-based educational resources for people affected by cirrhosis

Objective

To describe the development of multimodal, web-based educational resources about cirrhosis alongside patients and caregivers.

Methods

We used an iterative process that was guided by the Strategy for Patient Oriented Research (SPOR) patient engagement framework in describing patient engagement activities to partner with a team of 16 patients and caregivers (Patient Advisory Team (PAT)). This process included five phases: a) Prioritize and gather content, b) design and build the website and videos, c) gather and integrate feedback, d) improve user accessibility, and e) assess usability and knowledge uptake for users.

Results

This 2-year process resulted in a 55-page website and 78 animated and live-action videos on cirrhosis complications, procedures, nutrition, and exercise. We implemented usability testing through pre-defined tasks and a think-aloud method from individuals with no previous exposure to the website to assess navigation, appearance, and content issues. Following usability testing, we have been gathering quantitative data from each unique page about relevance and ease of use, as well as qualitative data on the value of the content itself.

Conclusions

Collaboration between clinicians, patients, and caregivers is key to developing high-quality digital educational resources. Lessons from our process may help other organizations looking to address disease-specific knowledge gaps. Next steps with www.cirrhosiscare.ca will be continued iterative refinement and structured impact evaluation.

Innovation

This project used a patient-centered approach to develop a comprehensive online educational resource for patients with cirrhosis. By having patients with cirrhosis as a key part of our team, we ensured that the site met the needs of this unique population.

A toolkit for capturing a representative and equitable sample in health research

Research participants often do not represent the general population. Systematic exclusion of particular groups from research limits the generalizability of research findings and perpetuates health inequalities. Groups considered underserved by research include those whose inclusion is lower than expected based on population estimates, those with a high healthcare burden but limited research participation opportunities and those whose healthcare engagement is less than others. The REP-EQUITY toolkit guides representative and equitable inclusion in research. The toolkit was developed through a methodological systematic review and synthesis and finalized in a consensus workshop with 24 participants. The REP-EQUITY toolkit describes seven steps for investigators to consider in facilitating representative and equitable sample selection. This includes clearly defining (1) the relevant underserved groups, (2) the aims relating to equity and representativeness, (3) the sample proportion of individuals with characteristics associated with being underserved by research, (4) the recruitment goals, (5) the strategies by which external factors will be managed, (6) the methods by which representation in the final sample will be evaluated and (7) the legacy of having used the toolkit. Using the REP-EQUITY toolkit could promote trust between communities and research institutions, increase diverse participation in research and improve the generalizability of health research. National Institute for Health and Care Research PROSPERO identifier: CRD42022355391.

Evaluation and comparison of risk-based and universal prenatal HCV screening programs in Alberta, Canada

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Canadian clinical practice guidelines currently recommend risk-based screening for HCV in pregnant individuals. However, no provinces or territories have ever compared the effectiveness of risk-based vs. universal screening for the prenatal diagnosis of HCV. We aimed to evaluate and compare HCV screening programs after implementing a universal population-level pilot program among prenatal patients in Alberta, Canada.

METHODS

The Alberta Prenatal Screening Program for Select Communicable Diseases was amended to include universal HCV antibody screening. Cohorts of pregnant individuals screened for HCV through risk-based or universal programs were generated over 1-year periods. HCV screening rates and prevalence were analyzed and compared between cohorts to evaluate the effectiveness of screening methods. Social and demographic risk factors for HCV-positive individuals were compared between screening cohorts to identify which populations may be overlooked with risk-based guidelines.

RESULTS

HCV antibody screening rates were 11.9% and 99.9% among pregnant individuals in the risk-based and universal cohorts, respectively. HCV prevalence among the cohorts was 0.07% and 0.11% (difference = 0.04%, p = 0.032), with an average of 21 additional HCV-positive pregnant individuals identified annually with universal screening. HCV-positive pregnant patients diagnosed through universal screening were more likely to engage in high-risk sexual behaviours/sex work compared to those diagnosed through risk-based screening (47.6% vs. 12.5%, respectively p = 0.035), suggesting that these high-risk cases are being missed by risk-based screening.

CONCLUSIONS

Universal HCV screening diagnoses significantly higher numbers of pregnant individuals infected with HCV compared to risk-based screening. Universal HCV screening or amending risk-based guidelines to incorporate more proxy variables for risk factors should be considered to improve prenatal HCV screening guidelines in Canada and help achieve HCV elimination in the next decade.

IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS

HCV is a bloodborne pathogen that can cause severe liver disease and be vertically transmitted from a mother to her baby during pregnancy. Pregnant individuals in Alberta are currently only tested for HCV if they disclose engaging in activities that put them at risk of acquiring the infection (risk-based screening). Using a population-wide universal prenatal HCV screening program, our work shows that testing based on patient disclosed risk alone leads to the significant underdiagnosis of HCV in pregnant individuals and suggests individuals engaging in sex work or risky sexual behaviours are being overlooked by the current risk-based program. Our outcomes represent the first province-wide study to evaluate and compare prenatal HCV risk-based and universal screening programs in Canada and provide evidence to support the update of prenatal HCV screening policies across the country and in similar jurisdictions.

Automated Machine Learning in Predicting 30-Day Mortality in Patients with Non-Cholestatic Cirrhosis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility of automated machine learning (AutoML) in predicting 30-day mortality in non-cholestatic cirrhosis.

METHODS

A total of 932 cirrhotic patients were included from the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between 2014 and 2020. Participants were divided into training and validation datasets at a ratio of 8.5:1.5. Models were developed on the H₂O AutoML platform in the training dataset, and then were evaluated in the validation dataset by area under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC). The best AutoML model was interpreted by SHapley Additive exPlanation (SHAP) Plot, Partial Dependence Plots (PDP), and Local Interpretable Model Agnostic Explanation (LIME).

RESULTS

The model, based on the extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) algorithm, performed better (AUC 0.888) than the other AutoML models (logistic regression 0.673, gradient boost machine 0.886, random forest 0.866, deep learning 0.830, stacking 0.850), as well as the existing scorings (the model of end-stage liver disease [MELD] score 0.778, MELD-Na score 0.782, and albumin-bilirubin [ALBI] score 0.662). The most key variable in the XGBoost model was high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, followed by creatinine, white blood cell count, international normalized ratio, etc. Conclusion: The AutoML model based on the XGBoost algorithm presented better performance than the existing scoring systems for predicting 30-day mortality in patients with non-cholestatic cirrhosis. It shows the promise of AutoML in its future medical application.

Cirrhosis Due to Alcohol-Related Liver Disease Hospitalizations in Belgrade, Serbia: A 10-Year Retrospective

BACKGROUND

Cirrhosis due to alcohol-related liver disease (ALD cirrhosis) is a significant burden to health systems worldwide. We aimed to determine the trends in hospitalization frequency due to ALD cirrhosis and to analyze their characteristics.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study used data from the Institute of Public Health of Belgrade database, and included all hospitalization reports which contained code K70.3 (Cirrhosis hepatis alcoholica) as the primary diagnosis, including re-hospitalizations, on the territory of Belgrade, between January 2009 and December 2018.

RESULTS

A total of 4644 patients with ALD cirrhosis were hospitalized (male: 4154, 89.45%), with a mean age of 58.83±10.02 years. During the 2009-2018 decade, no difference in the number of ALD cirrhosis hospitalizations in subsequent years was observed. Men more commonly developed esophageal and gastric varices with bleeding compared to women (P=0.037), while women developed acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) almost two-times more often compared to men (P<0.001). Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were significantly older (P<0.001), while those who developed ascites and splenomegaly were significantly younger compared to those who did not (P<0.001 and P=0.04, respectively). Altogether, complications of portal hypertension were registered and reported with very low frequency, and therefore do not represent actual frequencies of these conditions. The median duration of hospital stay was 9 days (range 0-243). Patients in whom lethal outcome occurred during the hospitalization were significantly older, and more commonly developed chronic renal failure.

CONCLUSION

These data offer an important insight into the ALD cirrhosis-related hospitalizations while drawing attention to inadequate coding as an important public health issue at the same time.

Hepatorenal syndrome: a Nationwide Trend Analysis from 2008 to 2018

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to assess the epidemiological trends and outcomes associated with Hepatorenal Syndrome (HRS).

METHODS

This retrospective interrupted trend study used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database for the years 2008, 2012, 2014, 20z16 and 2018 to identify adult (≥18 years) hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis of HRS. We determined epidemiological characteristics and trends for HRS hospitalizations. Additionally, we also calculated the inpatient mortality, mean length of stay (LOS) and mean total hospital charge (THC) using a multivariate regression trend analysis.

RESULTS

There was an increase in the total number of HRS hospitalizations from 22,864 in 2008 to 42,985 in 2018 with a trend towards increasing hospitalizations (p-trend <.001). The mean age for these hospitalizations ranged from 57.4-59.0 years with a significantly rising trend (p-trend <.001). Although the majority of HRS hospitalizations were men, we observed a trend towards increasing hospitalizations for women with an increase from 35.7% in 2008 to 39% in 2018 (p-trend <.001). Additionally, Whites made up a majority of the sample size (Table 1). After a multivariate regression trend analysis, we found a statistically significant trend towards declining inpatient mortality from 36.2% in 2008 to 25.7% in 2018 (p-trend <.001) for HRS hospitalizations (Table 2). We did not find a statistically significant trend for LOS and THC.[Table: see text][Table: see text].

CONCLUSION

Total hospitalizations, hospitalizations for women and the mean age for HRS hospitalizations were on the rise between 2008 and 2018. However, the inpatient mortality declined.KEY MESSAGESIn the United States, there was a trend towards increasing hospitalizations and mean age for HRS.Although a male predominance was noted, HRS hospitalizations for women were on the rise.The inpatient mortality for HRS hospitalizations was on a decline and may indicate significant improvements in management.

Accuracy of Noninvasive Fibrosis Scoring Systems in African American and White Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score (NFS), fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score, aspartate aminotransferase (AST)-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) score, and AST–alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio are noninvasive fibrosis scoring systems for the staging of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease.

The interplay of Western diet and binge drinking on the onset, progression, and outlook of liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and alcoholic liver disease, the two most prevalent liver diseases worldwide, share a common pathology but have largely been considered disparate diseases. Liver diseases are widely underestimated, but their prevalence is increasing worldwide. The Western diet (high-fat, high-sugar) and binge drinking (rapid consumption of alcohol in a short period of time) are two highly prevalent features of standard life in the United States, and both are linked to the development and progression of liver disease. Yet, few studies have been conducted to elucidate their potential interactions. Data shows binge drinking is on the rise in several age groups, and poor dietary trends continue to be prevalent. This review serves to summarize the sparse findings on the hepatic consequences of the combination of binge drinking and consuming a Western diet, while also drawing conclusions on potential future impacts. The data suggest the potential for a looming liver disease epidemic, indicating that more research on its progression as well as its prevention is needed on this critical topic.

African Americans have a distinct clinical and histologic profile with lower prevalence of NASH and advanced fibrosis relative to Caucasians

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Racial/ethnic disparities have been reported in the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Thus, we aimed to understand the inter-ethnic clinical, biochemical, and histological differences in a large cohort of Caucasians and African-Americans (AA).

METHODS

Laboratory and liver biopsy data of 942 NAFLD patients were retrospectively analyzed. Nine hundred seven patients were included in the analysis: 677 (74.6%) Caucasians and 230 (25.3%) AA.

RESULTS

AA had higher mean BMI compared to Caucasians (42.6 ± 9.5 vs. 39 ± 8.6 kg/m2). The prevalence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), defined by NAFLD activity score (NAS . 5), was higher in the Caucasians (n = 67) compared to AA (n = 7) (9.8% vs. 3%, P = 0.0007). One hundred fifteen patients (12.8%) had advanced fibrosis: 109 (16.2%) Caucasians and six (2.6%) AA. No AA patients had stage 4 fibrosis or cirrhosis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed advanced fibrosis was significantly associated with age at liver biopsy (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.0.1.1, P = 0.017, lower platelet count (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.98.0.99, P = <0.0001), AST/ALT ratio (OR 5.19, 95% CI 2.9.9.2, P <0.0001) and Caucasian race (OR 7.49, 95% CI 2.53.22.2, P = 0.0003). Advanced fibrosis in AA was predicted by lower platelet count and AST/ALT ratio. Whereas Advanced fibrosis in Caucasians was predicted by age at biopsy, lower platelet count and AST/ALT ratio.

CONCLUSION

The AA have a distinct clinical and histologic phenotype. Caucasians have a significantly greater proportion of NASH and are eight times more likely to develop advanced fibrosis than AA.

Compound Sarcopenia in Hospitalized Patients with Cirrhosis Worsens Outcomes with Increasing Age

Background: There are limited data on outcomes of older patients with chronic diseases. Skeletal muscle loss of aging (primary sarcopenia) has been extensively studied but the impact of secondary sarcopenia of chronic disease is not as well evaluated. Older patients with chronic diseases have both primary and secondary sarcopenia that we term compound sarcopenia. We evaluated the clinical impact of compound sarcopenia in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis given the increasing number of patients and high prevalence of sarcopenia in these patients. Design: The Nationwide Inpatients Sample (NIS) database (years 2010–2014) was analyzed to study older patients with cirrhosis. Since there is no universal hospital diagnosis code for “muscle loss”, we used a comprehensive array of codes for “muscle loss phenotype” in the international classification of diseases-9 (ICD-9). A randomly selected 2% sample of hospitalized general medical population (GMP) and inpatients with cirrhosis were stratified into 3 age groups based on age-related changes in muscle mass. In-hospital mortality, length of stay (LoS), cost of hospitalization (CoH), comorbidities and discharge disposition were analyzed. Results. Of 517,605 hospitalizations for GMP and 106,835 hospitalizations for treatment of cirrhosis or a cirrhosis-related complication, 207,266 (40.4%) GMP and 29,018 (27.7%) patients with cirrhosis were >65 years old, respectively. Muscle loss phenotype in both GMP and inpatients with cirrhosis 51–65 years old and >65 years old was significantly (p < 0.001 for all) associated with higher mortality, LoS, and CoH compared to those ≤50 years old. Patients >65 years old with cirrhosis and muscle loss phenotype had higher mortality (adjusted OR: 1.06, 95% CI [1.04, 1.08] and CoH (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.04, 1.08])) when compared to >65 years old GMP with muscle loss phenotype. Muscle loss in younger patients with cirrhosis (≤50 years old) was associated with worse outcomes compared to GMP >65 years old. Non-home discharges (nursing, skilled, long-term care) were more frequent with increasing age to a greater extent in patients with cirrhosis with muscle loss phenotype for each age stratum. Conclusion: Muscle loss is more frequent in older patients with cirrhosis than younger patients with cirrhosis and older GMP. Younger patients with cirrhosis had clinical outcomes similar to those of older GMP, suggesting an accelerated senescence in cirrhosis. Compound sarcopenia in older patients with cirrhosis is associated with higher inpatient mortality, increased LoS, and CoH compared to GMP with sarcopenia.

KIR2DL2/S2 and KIR2DS5 in alcoholic cirrhotic patients undergoing liver transplantation

INTRODUCTION

The molecular mechanisms underlying alcoholic liver fibrosis and cirrhosis are not completely understood. Hepatic fibrosis involves the interplay of diverse cells and factors, including hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), Kupffer, NK cells, and T-lymphocyte subsets. Killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) are membrane receptors involved in mediation between NK and activated HSCs, regulating NK cell function through their interaction with HLA-I molecules. The aim of this study was to analyse the genetic association between KIR genes and the susceptibility to or protection from alcoholic cirrhosis (AC) in a cohort of male AC patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) with and without concomitant viral infections.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

KIR genotyping was performed in nuclear DNA extracted from 281 AC patients and compared with 319 male controls.

RESULTS

Significant differences between total AC patients and healthy controls were only found in the case of KIR2DL2 and KIR2DS5. KIR2DL2 was significantly underrepresented in non-viral AC patients (52.6% vs. 63.3%; p = 0.015), while patients heterozygous for KIR2DL2 were also underrepresented in the non-viral AC group compared with controls (p = 0.034). KIR2DS5 was overrepresented in this group compared with healthy controls (p = 0.002). All these observations were only evident in AC patients older than 54 years old.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest a contrary effect of KIR2DL2 and KIR2DS5 in AC patients older than 54 years, in whom the presence of KIR2DL2 appears to be protective against AC, whereas the presence of KIR2DS5 seems to promote the fibrotic process, particularly in patients with no associated viral infection.

Aging and the Biological Response to Liver Injury

Interest in understanding the aging process has recently risen in the scientific community. Aging, commonly defined as the functional decline in the function of organs and tissues, is indeed the major risk factor for the development of many chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, pathologies of nervous system, or cancer. To date, the influence of aging in the pathophysiology of liver and biliary diseases is not fully understood. Although liver cells have a high regenerative capacity, hepatocytes and cholangiocytes undergo extensive molecular changes in response to aging. Following time-dependent damage induced by aging, liver cells initially activate compensatory mechanisms that, if hyperstimulated, may lead to the decline of regenerative capacity and the development of pathologies. A deeper understanding of molecular aging has undoubtedly the potential to improve the clinical management of patients, possibly unveiling new pathways for selective drug treatment.

Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of NAFLD in Chronic Liver Disease Patients from King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah

Background:

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common cause of chronic liver disease (CLD). NAFLD is also related to obesity and metabolic syndromes, which are common in Saudi Arabia. However, it is yet unclear what proportion of CLD cases is because of NAFLD in Saudi Arabia.

Objective:

To investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of NAFLD among patients with CLD in Saudi Arabia.

Materials and Methods:

This retrospective study included all patients with any CLD who had successfully undergone transient elastography (FibroScan) examination at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between April 2015 and April 2018. These CLD patients were then grouped as NAFLD and non-NAFLD patients. Serum hemoglobin, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, albumin and bilirubin levels; platelet count and international normalized ratio within 1 month after the FibroScan examination were assessed. For NAFLD patients, glycated hemoglobin levels and abdominal ultrasound examination results were also assessed. Statistical analysis was carried out using Student’s t-test and linear regression.

Results:

The prevalence of NAFLD among CLD patients was 22.5% (111 of 494 CLD patients), and it was the third most common CLD after chronic hepatitis B and C. Compared with non-NAFLD patients, NAFLD patients had significantly higher mean age (53.65 ± 12.7 vs. 48.07 ± 14.6 years; P < 0.001), mean serum alanine aminotransferase level (61.84 vs. 50.23 IU/L; P < 0.001) and mean controlled attenuation parameter (297.83 vs. 238.41; P < 0.001). NAFLD patients also had a higher rate of ultrasound-detected features of cirrhosis (16.2% vs. 3.7%, P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in fibrosis severity. In addition, their mean glycated hemoglobin level (6.85) was elevated (range: 5–13). Age and platelet count were significantly correlated with presence of cirrhosis.

Conclusion:

NAFLD is the third most common CLD in Western Saudi Arabia, and it is associated with older age and metabolic syndromes, with one-third of the patients having advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis.

NGF (-198C > T, Ala35Val) and p75NTR (Ser205Leu) gene mutations are associated with liver function in different histopathological profiles of the patients with chronic viral hepatitis in the Brazilian Amazon

BACKGROUNDS

Neural growth factor (NGF) is a neurotrophin that can interact with the p75NTR receptor and initiate a cascade of reactions that determines cell survival or death, and both are associated with the physiology of liver tissue. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the NGF and p75NTR genes have been investigated in different pathologies; however, there are no studies that have analyzed their biological roles in the hepatic microenvironment. In the present study, we evaluated the impact of SNPs in these genes on the maintenance of liver function at different stages of inflammation and fibrosis in patients with chronic viral liver disease in the Brazilian Amazon.

METHODS

The SNPs -198C > T, Arg80Gln, Val72Met, Ala35Val, Ala18Ala and Ser205Leu were genotyped by real-time PCR in samples from patients with chronic viral hepatitis stratified by stage of inflammation and liver fibrosis. Histopathological, viral load (VL), liver enzyme and comorbidities data were obtained from updated medical records. Other aspects were highlighted by applied epidemiological questionnaires.

RESULTS

The -198C/T and Ala35Val polymorphisms in NGF were associated with changes in histopathological profiles, VL and liver enzymes. Ser205Leu polymorphism in p75NTR was associated only with changes in VL and liver enzymes. Polymorphic frequencies were variable among different ethnic populations, mainly for biologically relevant polymorphisms. A multifactorial network of interactions has been established based on genetic, virological, behavioral and biochemical aspects.

CONCLUSION

Mutations in the NGF (-198C > T, Ala35Val) and p75NTR (Ser205Leu) genes, within the list of multifactorial aspects, are associated with liver function in different histopathological profiles of patients with chronic viral liver disease in the Brazilian Amazon.

Application of guidelines for the management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in three prospective cohorts of HIV-monoinfected patients

OBJECTIVES

Current guidelines recommend use of a diagnostic algorithm to assess disease severity in cases of suspected nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We applied this algorithm to HIV-monoinfected patients.

METHODS

We analysed three prospective screening programmes for NAFLD carried out in the following cohorts: the Liver Disease in HIV (LIVEHIV) cohort in Montreal, the Modena HIV Metabolic Clinic (MHMC) cohort and the Liver Pathologies in HIV in Palermo (LHivPa) cohort. In the LIVEHIV and LHivPa cohorts, NAFLD was diagnosed if the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) was ≥ 248 dB/m; in the MHMC cohort, it was diagnosed if the liver/spleen Hounsfield unit (HU) ratio on abdominal computerized tomography scan was < 1.1. Medium/high-risk fibrosis category was defined as fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) ≥ 1.30. Patients requiring specialist referral to hepatology were defined as either having NAFLD and being in the medium/high-risk fibrosis category or having elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT).

RESULTS

A total of 1534 HIV-infected adults without significant alcohol intake or viral hepatitis coinfection were included in the study. Of these, 313 (20.4%) patients had the metabolic comorbidities (obesity and/or diabetes) required for entry in the diagnostic algorithm. Among these patients, 123 (39.3%) required specialist referral to hepatology, according to guidelines. A total of 1062 patients with extended metabolic comorbidities (any among obesity, diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia) represented most of the cases of NAFLD (79%), elevated ALT (75.9%) and medium/high-risk fibrosis category (75.4%). When the algorithm was extended to these patients, it was found that 341 (32.1%) would require specialist referral to hepatology.

CONCLUSIONS

According to current guidelines, one in five HIV-monoinfected patients should undergo detailed assessment for NAFLD and disease severity. Moreover, one in ten should be referred to hepatology. Expansion of the algorithm to patients with any metabolic comorbidities may be considered.

Predictors of Three-month Hospital Readmissions and Mortality in Patients with Cirrhosis of Liver

BACKGROUND

The rate of readmission to the hospital and mortality within 3 months is used as a quality measure for hospitalized patients with advanced liver disease; however, the topic has not been studied adequately under Indian context.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was a longitudinal study conducted from March 2017 to March 2018. Patients admitted with liver cirrhosis at inpatient hepatology service in Tertiary Health Care Centre, Mysore, India, were included for the study. A total of 232 patients were studied and their demographic, clinical, biochemical parameters along with readmission status and outcomes within 3 months of observation were recorded. The effect of these factors on readmission and mortality was studied through multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

The risk of readmission within 3 months was significantly associated with the presence of hydrothorax, hepatorenal syndrome (HRS), and portal vein thrombosis (PVT). Maddrey's discriminant function (DF), model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, and the Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) C grade also significantly increased the odds of readmission. The area under curve (AUC) for DF and MELD were 0.927 and 0.928, respectively. Both DF and MELD significantly increased the odds of mortality.

CONCLUSION

The present study revealed that the parameters such as MELD and DF score and complications such as hydrothorax, HRS, and PVT are the most predictive indicators of cirrhosis complication to ascertain the rate of readmission and mortality within 3 months of patient discharge.

HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE

Lavekar A, Raje D, Sadar A, et al. Predictors of Three-month Hospital Readmissions and Mortality in Patients with Cirrhosis of Liver. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2019;9(2):71-77.

Age-related differences in clinical characteristics of invasive group G streptococcal infection: Comparison with group A and group B streptococcal infections

Purpose

Invasive Group G streptococcal infection (iGGS) has increasingly been recognized as a cause of severe disease, mainly among elderly people with chronic illnesses. This study aimed to examine age-related differences in clinical characteristics of iGGS and describe its characteristics among very elderly individuals (≥80 years).

Methods

Fifty-four iGGS patients for whom detailed clinical information was available were identified from 2002 to 2014 in a tertiary care hospital in Japan. iGGS (n = 54) was compared with invasive Group A (iGAS; n = 17) and B streptococcal infection patients (iGBS; n = 52) based on patient age.

Results

The incidence of iGGS in our catchment area significantly increased during the study period. The prevalence of iGGS in the very elderly population was higher than that of iGAS or iGBS (p<0.001). Among iGGS patients, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, oxygen demand, and bacteremia with unknown focus of infection were more frequent in the very elderly population (p = 0.009, p = 0.02, p = 0.04, and p = 0.04, respectively). Altered mental status was present in half of iGGS patients aged ≥60 years (p = 0.03). In contrast, alcohol drinking and liver cirrhosis were significantly more frequent in patients with iGGS aged <60 years than in other age groups (p<0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). Levofloxacin resistance in GBS isolates was significantly more frequent among very elderly patients than among other age groups (p<0.001).

Conclusions

The burden of iGGS has been increasing in our catchment area. Different iGGS-associated clinical characteristics were found in each age group. Unclear and atypical clinical manifestations and syndromes were likely to be observed in very elderly patients. Alcohol drinking and liver cirrhosis may contribute to iGGS even in patients aged <60 years. Understanding these age-related differences could be helpful for optimal diagnosis and treatment.

Race and Gradient Difference Are Associated with Increased Risk of Hepatic Encephalopathy Hospital Admission After Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Placement

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a well-recognized complication of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate incidence and predictors of post-TIPS HE necessitating hospital admission in a non-clinical trial setting.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study identifying 273 consecutive patients undergoing TIPS from 2010 to 2015 for any indication; 210 met inclusion/exclusion criteria. The primary endpoint was incidence of post-TIPS HE defined as encephalopathy with no other identifiable cause requiring hospitalization within 90 days of TIPS. Clinical demographics and procedural variables were collected and analyzed to determine predictors of readmission for post-TIPS HE. Categorical variables were analyzed using Fisher's exact test; continuous variables were compared using Levene's t-test and student's t-test; P < 0.05, significant.

RESULTS

Forty-two of 210 patients (20%) developed post-TIPS HE requiring hospitalization within 90 days. On analysis of cohorts (post-TIPS HE vs. no post-TIPS HE): non-white race (31.0% vs. 17.5%, P = 0.022) and increased hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) difference during TIPS (10.5 vs. 8.9 mmHg, P = 0.030) were associated with an increased incidence of HE requiring readmission within 90 days.

CONCLUSIONS

HE remains a common complication of TIPS. Non-Caucasian race is a significant clinical demographic associated with increased risk for readmission. Independent of initial or final HVPG, HVPG difference appears to be a significant modifiable technical risk factor. In the absence of clear preventative strategies for post-TIPS encephalopathy, non-Caucasians with HVPG reductions >9 mmHg may require targeted follow up evaluation to prevent hospital readmission.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease diagnosed by transient elastography with controlled attenuation parameter in unselected HIV monoinfected patients

OBJECTIVE

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease in Western countries. HIV-infected persons without viral hepatitis are at increased risk of NAFLD. Nevertheless, data on NAFLD in HIV monoinfection are scarce.

DESIGN/METHODS

We prospectively investigated prevalence and predictors of NAFLD and liver fibrosis by transient elastography and associated controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) in unselected HIV-infected adults without significant alcohol intake or viral hepatitis coinfection. NAFLD was defined as CAP at least 238 dB/m. Significant liver fibrosis and cirrhosis were defined as transient elastography measurement at least 7.1 and 13 kPa, respectively. Predictors of NAFLD and significant liver fibrosis were determined using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 300 consecutive patients (mean age 50 years, 77% men; mean CD4 cell count 570 cells/μl, 90% on antiretrovirals) were included as a part of a routine screening program. Transient elastography with CAP identified NAFLD and significant liver fibrosis in 48 and 15% of cases, respectively. NAFLD was independently associated with BMI more than 25 kg/m [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.55-9.26] and elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (aOR 3.17, 95% CI 1.43-7.03). Independent predictors of significant liver fibrosis were diabetes (aOR 5.84, 95% CI 1.91-17.85), elevated ALT (aOR 3.30, 95% CI 1.27-8.59) and current use of protease inhibitors (aOR 3.96, 95% CI 1.64-9.54).

CONCLUSION

NAFLD and significant liver fibrosis diagnosed by transient elastography with CAP are major comorbidities in unselected HIV monoinfected persons on antiretroviral therapy, particularly if metabolic conditions and elevated ALT coexist. Noninvasive screening for NAFLD should be implemented in this population to establish early interventions and prevent complications.

Cirrhosis and Advanced Fibrosis in Hispanics in Texas: The Dominant Contribution of Central Obesity

Liver cirrhosis is a leading cause of death in Hispanics and Hispanics who live in South Texas have the highest incidence of liver cancer in the United States. We aimed at determining the prevalence and associated risk factors of cirrhosis in this population. Clinical and demographic variables were extracted for 2466 participants in the community-based Cameron County Hispanic Cohort in South Texas. Aspartate transaminase to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) was used to predict cirrhosis in Cameron County Hispanic Cohort. The prevalence of cirrhosis using APRI≥2 was 0.94%, which is nearly 4-fold higher than the national prevalence. Using APRI≥1, the overall prevalence of cirrhosis/advanced fibrosis was 3.54%. In both analyses, highest prevalence was observed in males, specifically in the 25-34 age group. Risk factors independently associated with APRI≥2 and APRI≥1 included hepatitis C, diabetes and central obesity with a remarkable population attributable fraction of 52.5% and 65.3% from central obesity, respectively. Excess alcohol consumption was also independently associated with APRI≥2. The presence of patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing-3 gene variants was independently associated with APRI≥1 in participants >50 years old. Males with both central obesity and excess alcohol consumption presented with cirrhosis/advanced fibrosis at a young age. Alarmingly high prevalence of cirrhosis and advanced fibrosis was identified in Hispanics in South Texas, affecting young males in particular. Central obesity was identified as the major risk factor. Public health efforts are urgently needed to increase awareness and diagnosis of advanced liver fibrosis in Hispanics.