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Lim N, Devuni D, German M, Guy J, Rabiee A, Sharma P, Shingina A, Shroff H, Pillai A. The rise of multidisciplinary clinics in hepatology: A practical, how-to-guide, and review of the literature. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00982. [PMID: 39212328 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000001036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Multidisciplinary clinics (MDCs) are gaining momentum throughout the medical field, having initially been pioneered in oncology clinics due to their inherent ability to streamline complex care and improve both patient outcomes and the patient care experience. Liver transplant and hepatobiliary tumor clinics are examples of established MDCs in hepatology. With the changing landscape of liver disease in regard to etiology and patient complexity and acuity, there is a clear need for efficient, highly coordinated care. These changes highlight opportunities for hepatology MDCs in alcohol-associated liver disease, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, and palliative care. This review provides practical advice in navigating the complex logistics of establishing and maintaining a hepatology MDC while also reviewing the emerging evidence on clinical outcomes for patients seen in these MDCs. As hepatology looks to the future, establishment of MDCs in key clinical areas will be the cornerstone of patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Lim
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Deepika Devuni
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Margarita German
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jennifer Guy
- Department of Transplantation, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Atoosa Rabiee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Pratima Sharma
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Alexandra Shingina
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Hersh Shroff
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Anjana Pillai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Chin A, Bastaich DR, Dahman B, Kaplan DE, Taddei TH, John BV. Refractory hepatic hydrothorax is associated with increased mortality with death occurring at lower MELD-Na compared to cirrhosis and refractory ascites. Hepatology 2024; 79:844-856. [PMID: 37625139 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Although refractory hepatic hydrothorax (RH) is a serious complication of cirrhosis, waitlisted patients do not receive standardized Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) exemption because of inadequate evidence suggesting mortality above biochemical MELD. This study aimed to examine liver-related death (LRD) associated with RH compared to refractory ascites (RA). APPROACH AND RESULTS This was a retrospective cohort study of Veterans with cirrhosis. Eligibility criteria included participants with RH or RA, followed from their first therapeutic thoracentesis/second paracentesis until death or transplantation. The primary outcome was LRD with non-LRD or transplantation as competing risk. Of 2552 patients with cirrhosis who underwent therapeutic thoracentesis/paracentesis, 177 met criteria for RH and 422 for RA. RH was associated with a significantly higher risk of LRD (adjusted HR [aHR] 4.63, 95% CI 3.31-6.48) than RA overall and within all MELD-sodium (MELD-Na) strata (<10 aHR 4.08, 95% CI 2.30-7.24, 10-14.9 aHR 5.68, 95% CI 2.63-12.28, 15-24.9 aHR 4.14, 95% CI 2.34-7.34, ≥25 aHR 7.75, 95% CI 2.99-20.12). LRD was higher among participants requiring 1 (aHR 3.54, 95% CI 2.29-5.48), 2-3 (aHR 4.39, 95% CI 2.91-6.63), and ≥4 (aHR 7.89, 95% CI 4.82-12.93) thoracenteses relative to RA. Although participants with RH and RA had similar baseline MELD-Na, LRD occurred in RH versus RA at a lower MELD-Na (16.5 vs. 21.82, p =0.002) but higher MELD 3.0 (27.85 vs. 22.48, p <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS RH was associated with higher risk of LRD than RA at equivalent MELD-Na. By contrast, MELD 3.0 may better predict risk of LRD in RH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Chin
- Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Dustin R Bastaich
- Department of Biostatistics, Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Bassam Dahman
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - David E Kaplan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tamar H Taddei
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Binu V John
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Miami VA Medical System, Miami, Florida, USA
- Division of Medical Education, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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Ascher Bartlett J, Barhouma S, Bangerth S, Mejia V, Weaver C, Kohli R, Emamaullee J. Finance, race, ethnicity, and spoken language impact clinical outcomes for children with acute liver failure. Pediatr Transplant 2024; 28:e14686. [PMID: 38317347 PMCID: PMC10857738 DOI: 10.1111/petr.14686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric acute liver failure (PALF) is an emergency, necessitating prompt referral and management at an experienced liver transplant center. Social determinants of health (SDOH) drive healthcare disparities and can affect many aspects of disease presentation, access to care, and ultimately clinical outcomes. Potential associations between SDOH and PALF outcomes, including spontaneous recovery (SR), liver transplant (LT) or death, are unknown. This study aims to investigate how SDOH may affect PALF and therefore identify areas for intervention to mitigate unrecognized disparities. METHODS A retrospective, single-center cohort was analyzed and then compared and validated with data from the multicenter National Institutes of Health PALF Study Group. The single-center review included 145 patients admitted with PALF using diagnostic codes. Medical records were reviewed to extract patient demographics, family structure, inpatient social worker assessments, and clinical outcomes. Data were stratified by outcome. RESULTS This analysis determined that level of family support (p = .02), caretaker employment (p = .02), patient age, race, and language (p = .01) may impact clinical outcomes. Specifically, the cohort of children that died had the largest proportion of non-English speaking patients with limited support systems and parents who worked full-time. Conversely, patients who underwent LT more often belonged to English-speaking families with a homemaker and extensive support systems. CONCLUSION This study suggests that SDOH impact PALF outcomes and highlights patient populations facing additional challenges during an already complex healthcare emergency. These associations may indicate unconscious biases held by transplant teams when evaluating waitlist candidacy, as well as barriers to healthcare access. Strategies to better understand the broader applicability of our findings and, if confirmed, efforts to mitigate social disparities, may improve clinical outcomes in PALF.
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Reed RD, Locke JE. Mitigating Health Disparities in Transplantation Requires Equity, Not Equality. Transplantation 2024; 108:100-114. [PMID: 38098158 PMCID: PMC10796154 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Despite decades of research and evidence-based mitigation strategies, disparities in access to transplantation persist for all organ types and in all stages of the transplant process. Although some strategies have shown promise for alleviating disparities, others have fallen short of the equity goal by providing the same tools and resources to all rather than tailoring the tools and resources to one's circumstances. Innovative solutions that engage all stakeholders are needed to achieve equity regardless of race, sex, age, socioeconomic status, or geography. Mitigation of disparities is paramount to ensure fair and equitable access for those with end-stage disease and to preserve the trust of the public, upon whom we rely for their willingness to donate organs. In this overview, we present a summary of recent literature demonstrating persistent disparities by stage in the transplant process, along with policies and interventions that have been implemented to combat these disparities and hypotheses for why some strategies have been more effective than others. We conclude with future directions that have been proposed by experts in the field and how these suggested strategies may help us finally arrive at equity in transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhiannon D. Reed
- Comprehensive Transplant Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Jayme E. Locke
- Comprehensive Transplant Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
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Cooper KM, Colletta A, Hathaway NJ, Liu D, Gonzalez D, Talat A, Barry C, Krishnarao A, Mehta S, Movahedi B, Martins PN, Devuni D. Delayed referral for liver transplant evaluation worsens outcomes in chronic liver disease patients requiring inpatient transplant evaluation. World J Transplant 2023; 13:169-182. [PMID: 37388395 PMCID: PMC10303412 DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v13.i4.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indications to refer patients with cirrhosis for liver transplant evaluation (LTE) include hepatic decompensation or a model for end stage liver disease (MELD-Na) score ≥ 15. Few studies have evaluated how delaying referral beyond these criteria affects patient outcomes. AIM To evaluate clinical characteristics of patients undergoing inpatient LTE and to assess the effects of delayed LTE on patient outcomes (death, transplantation). METHODS This is a single center retrospective cohort study assessing all patients undergoing inpatient LTE (n = 159) at a large quaternary care and liver transplant center between 10/23/2017-7/31/2021. Delayed referral was defined as having prior indication (decompensation, MELD-Na ≥ 15) for LTE without referral. Early referral was defined as referrals made within 3 mo of having an indication based on practice guidelines. Logistic regression and Cox Hazard Regression were used to evaluate the relationship between delayed referral and patient outcomes. RESULTS Many patients who require expedited inpatient LTE had delayed referrals. Misconceptions regarding transplant candidacy were a leading cause of delayed referral. Ultimately, delayed referrals negatively affected overall patient outcome and an independent predictor of both death and not receiving a transplant. Delayed referral was associated with a 2.5 hazard risk of death. CONCLUSION Beyond initial access to an liver transplant (LT) center, delaying LTE increases risk of death and reduces risk of LT in patients with chronic liver disease. There is substantial opportunity to increase the percentage of patients undergoing LTE when first clinically indicated. It is crucial for providers to remain informed about the latest guidelines on liver transplant candidacy and the transplant referral process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Cooper
- Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Alessandro Colletta
- Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Nicholas J Hathaway
- Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Diana Liu
- Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Daniella Gonzalez
- Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Arslan Talat
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Curtis Barry
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Anita Krishnarao
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Savant Mehta
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Babak Movahedi
- Department of Surgery, Transplant Division, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Paulo N Martins
- Department of Surgery, Transplant Division, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Deepika Devuni
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
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Yilma M, Kim NJ, Shui AM, Tana M, Landis C, Chen A, Bangaru S, Mehta N, Zhou K. Factors Associated With Liver Transplant Referral Among Patients With Cirrhosis at Multiple Safety-Net Hospitals. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2317549. [PMID: 37289453 PMCID: PMC10251211 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.17549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance A high proportion of underserved patients with cirrhosis receive care at safety-net hospitals (SNHs). While liver transplant (LT) can be a life-saving treatment for cirrhosis, data on referral patterns from SNHs to LT centers are lacking. Objective To identify factors associated with LT referral within the SNH context. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study included 521 adult patients with cirrhosis and model for end-stage liver disease-sodium (MELD-Na) scores of 15 or greater. Participants received outpatient hepatology care at 3 SNHs between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2017, with end of follow-up on May 1, 2022. Exposures Patient demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, and liver disease factors. Main Outcomes and Measures Primary outcome was referral for LT. Descriptive statistics were used to describe patient characteristics. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to evaluate factors associated with LT referral. Multiple chained imputation was used to address missing values. Results Of 521 patients, 365 (70.1%) were men, the median age was 60 (IQR, 52-66) years, most (311 [59.7%]) were Hispanic or Latinx, 338 (64.9%) had Medicaid insurance, and 427 (82.0%) had a history of alcohol use (127 [24.4%] current vs 300 [57.6%] prior). The most common liver disease etiology was alcohol associated liver disease (280 [53.7%]), followed by hepatitis C virus infection (141 [27.1%]). Median MELD-Na score was 19 (IQR, 16-22). One hundred forty-five patients (27.8%) were referred for LT. Of these, 51 (35.2%) were wait-listed, and 28 (19.3%) underwent LT. In a multivariable model, male sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.50 [95% CI, 0.31-0.81]), Black race vs Hispanic or Latinx ethnicity (AOR, 0.19 [95% CI, 0.04-0.89]), uninsured status (AOR, 0.40 [95% CI, 0.18-0.89]), and hospital site (AOR, 0.40 [95% CI, 0.18-0.87]) were associated with lower odds of being referred. Reasons for not being referred (n = 376) included active alcohol use and/or limited sobriety (123 [32.7%]), insurance issues (80 [21.3%]), lack of social support (15 [4.0%]), undocumented status (7 [1.9%]), and unstable housing (6 [1.6%]). Conclusions In this cohort study of SNHs, less than one-third of patients with cirrhosis and MELD-Na scores of 15 or greater were referred for LT. The identified sociodemographic factors negatively associated with LT referral highlight potential intervention targets and opportunities to standardize LT referral practices to increase access to life-saving transplant among underserved patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mignote Yilma
- Department of General Surgery, University of California, San Francisco
- National Clinician Scholars Program, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Nicole J. Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Amy M. Shui
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Michele Tana
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California
| | - Charles Landis
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Ariana Chen
- Department of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Saroja Bangaru
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Neil Mehta
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Kali Zhou
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
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John BV, Bastaich D, Webb G, Brevini T, Moon A, Ferreira RD, Chin AM, Kaplan DE, Taddei TH, Serper M, Mahmud N, Deng Y, Chao HH, Sampaziotis F, Dahman B. Ursodeoxycholic acid is associated with a reduction in SARS-CoV-2 infection and reduced severity of COVID-19 in patients with cirrhosis. J Intern Med 2023; 293:636-647. [PMID: 37018129 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Studies have demonstrated that reducing farnesoid X receptor activity with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) downregulates angiotensin-converting enzyme in human lung, intestinal and cholangiocytes organoids in vitro, in human lungs and livers perfused ex situ, reducing internalization of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) into the host cell. This offers a potential novel target against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The objective of our study was to compare the association between UDCA exposure and SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as varying severities of COVID-19, in a large national cohort of participants with cirrhosis. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study among participants with cirrhosis in the Veterans Outcomes and Costs Associated with Liver cohort, we compared participants with exposure to UDCA, with a propensity score (PS) matched group of participants without UDCA exposure, matched for clinical characteristics, and vaccination status. The outcomes included SARS-CoV-2 infection, symptomatic, at least moderate, severe, or critical COVID-19, and COVID-19-related death. RESULTS We compared 1607 participants with cirrhosis who were on UDCA, with 1607 PS-matched controls. On multivariable logistic regression, UDCA exposure was associated with reduced odds of developing SARS-CoV-2 infection (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.41-0.71, p < 0.0001). Among patients who developed COVID-19, UDCA use was associated with reduced disease severity, including symptomatic COVID-19 (aOR 0.54, 95% CI 0.39-0.73, p < 0.0001), at least moderate COVID-19 (aOR 0.51, 95% CI 0.32-0.81, p = 0.005), and severe or critical COVID-19 (aOR 0.48, 95% CI 0.25-0.94, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS In participants with cirrhosis, UDCA exposure was associated with both a decrease in SARS-CoV-2 infection, and reduction in symptomatic, at least moderate, and severe/critical COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binu V John
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Miami VA Medical System, Miami, Florida, USA
- Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Dustin Bastaich
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Gwilym Webb
- Cambridge Liver Unit, Cambridge University Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Teresa Brevini
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrew Moon
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Raphaella D Ferreira
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Miami VA Medical System, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Allison M Chin
- Herbert Wertheim Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - David E Kaplan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tamar H Taddei
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Section of Gastroenterology, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Marina Serper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nadim Mahmud
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yangyang Deng
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Hann-Hsiang Chao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Central Virginia Health System, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Fotios Sampaziotis
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge Liver Unit, Cambridge University Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Bassam Dahman
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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John BV, Deng Y, Dahman B. Reply. Gastroenterology 2022; 163:531-532. [PMID: 35405121 PMCID: PMC8989689 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Binu V John
- Division of Hepatology, Miami VA Health Care System, Miami, Florida; Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Yangyang Deng
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Bassam Dahman
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
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John BV, Deng Y, Scheinberg A, Mahmud N, Taddei TH, Kaplan D, Labrada M, Baracco G, Dahman B. Association of BNT162b2 mRNA and mRNA-1273 Vaccines With COVID-19 Infection and Hospitalization Among Patients With Cirrhosis. JAMA Intern Med 2021; 181:1306-1314. [PMID: 34254978 PMCID: PMC8278308 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2021.4325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Two mRNA-based vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were found to be highly efficacious in phase 3 clinical trials in the US. However, patients with chronic illnesses, including cirrhosis, were excluded from clinical trials. Patients with cirrhosis have immune dysregulation that is associated with vaccine hyporesponsiveness. OBJECTIVE To study the association of receipt of the Pfizer BNT162b2 mRNA or the Moderna mRNA-1273 vaccines in patients with cirrhosis compared with a propensity-matched control group of patients at similar risk of infection and severe disease from COVID-19. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with cirrhosis who received at least 1 dose of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine at the Veterans Health Administration. Patients who received at least 1 dose of the vaccine (n = 20 037) were propensity matched with 20 037 controls to assess the associations of vaccination with new COVID-19 infection and COVID-19 hospitalization and death. EXPOSURES Receipt of at least 1 dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA or the mRNA-1273 vaccines between December 18, 2020, and March 17, 2021. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES COVID-19 infection as documented by a positive result for COVID-19 by polymerase chain reaction, hospitalization, and death due to COVID-19 infection. RESULTS The median (interquartile range) age of the vaccinated individuals in the study cohort was 69.1 (8.4) years and 19 465 (97.2%) of the participants in each of the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups were male, consistent with a US veteran population. The mRNA-1273 vaccine was administered in 10 236 (51%) and the BNT162b2 mRNA in 9801 (49%) patients. Approximately 99.7% of patients who received the first dose of either vaccine with a follow-up of 42 days or more received a second dose. The number of COVID-19 infections in the vaccine recipients was similar to the control group in days 0 to 7, 7 to 14, 14 to 21, and 21 to 28 after the first dose. After 28 days, receipt of 1 dose of an mRNA vaccine was associated with a 64.8% reduction in COVID-19 infections and 100% protection against hospitalization or death due to COVID-19 infection. The association of reduced COVID-19 infections after the first dose was lower among patients with decompensated (50.3%) compared with compensated cirrhosis (66.8%). Receipt of a second dose was associated with a 78.6% reduction in COVID-19 infections and 100% reduction in COVID-19-related hospitalization or death after 7 days. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This cohort study of US veterans found that mRNA vaccine administration was associated with a delayed but modest reduction in COVID-19 infection but an excellent reduction in COVID-19-related hospitalization or death in patients with cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binu V John
- Division of Hepatology, Bruce W Carter VA Medical Center, Miami, Florida.,Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Yangyang Deng
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond
| | - Andrew Scheinberg
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Nadim Mahmud
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Tamar H Taddei
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
| | - David Kaplan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Mabel Labrada
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.,Department of Medicine, Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center, Miami, Florida
| | - Gio Baracco
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.,Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center, Miami, Florida
| | - Bassam Dahman
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond
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Tapper EB, Parikh ND. The Future of Quality Improvement for Cirrhosis. Liver Transpl 2021; 27:1479-1489. [PMID: 33887806 PMCID: PMC8487907 DOI: 10.1002/lt.26079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Cirrhosis has a significant and growing impact on public health and patient-reported outcomes (PROs). The increasing burden of cirrhosis has led to an emphasis on the quality of care with the goal of improving overall outcomes in this high-risk population. Existing evidence has shown the significant gaps in quality across process measures (eg, hepatocellular carcinoma screening), highlighting the need for consistent measurement and interventions to address the gaps in quality care. This multistep process forms the quality continuum, and it depends on clearly defined process measures, real-time quality measurement, and generalizable evaluative methods. Herein we review the current state of quality care in cirrhosis across the continuum with a focus on process measurement methodologies, developments in PRO evaluation on quality assessment, practical examples of quality improvement initiatives, and the recent emphasis placed on the value of primary prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot B Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI
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