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Liver transplantation for alcoholic hepatitis: update. Curr Opin Gastroenterol 2020; 36:157-163. [PMID: 32101986 DOI: 10.1097/mog.0000000000000623] [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] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Alcoholic liver disease continues to be a major public health concern in the United States and around the world. Alcoholic liver disease remains the third most common indication for liver transplantation in the United States. Mortality has been reported in up to 30-50% of patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis. Liver transplantation can be lifesaving for patients with alcoholic hepatitis. Liver transplantation for alcoholic liver disease was traditionally only considered in patients who have achieved 6 months of abstinence. The majority of patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis who fail medical therapy will not live long enough to meet this requirement. The purpose of this review is to provide an update from the most recent peer reviewed articles regarding early liver transplantation of alcoholic hepatitis. RECENT FINDINGS This review shows that liver transplantation offers the best survival benefit to patients with alcoholic hepatitis. Selection criteria is a key component for a successful transplant. No change in 1-year graft survival between patients who have 6 months sobriety vs. those transplanted prior to 6 months abstinence. Liver transplantation is limited by very narrow selection criteria and limited long-term data. SUMMARY Liver transplantation offers the best survival benefit to patients with alcoholic hepatitis. Selection criteria of patients has evolved and have become more permissive and the period of sobriety has become less important in the evaluation of process. However, long-term outcomes continue to lack in the literature. On the basis of previous studies, patients with longer pretransplant abstinence, disease process insight, older age at the time of transplant, the presence of social support that lives with the patient in the same dwelling place were noted to have lower rates of return to alcohol use after liver transplantation.
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Ma M, Falloon K, Chen PH, Saberi B, Pustavoitau A, Ozdogan E, Li Z, Philosophe B, Cameron AM, Gurakar A. The Role of Liver Transplantation in Alcoholic Hepatitis. J Intensive Care Med 2019; 34:277-291. [PMID: 29879862 DOI: 10.1177/0885066618780339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Acute alcoholic hepatitis is a syndrome of jaundice and hepatic decompensation that occurs with excessive alcohol consumption. The diagnosis can be made with a combination of clinical characteristics and laboratory studies, though biopsy may be required in unclear cases. Acute alcoholic hepatitis can range from mild to severe disease, as determined by a Maddrey discriminant function ≥32. Mild forms can be managed with supportive care and abstinence from alcohol. While mild form has an overall good prognosis, severe alcoholic hepatitis is associated with an extremely high short-term mortality of up to 50%. Additional complications of severe alcoholic hepatitis can include hepatic encephalopathy, gastrointestinal bleeding, renal failure, and infection; these patients frequently require intensive care unit admission. Corticosteroids may have short-term benefit in this group of patients if there are no contraindications; however, a subset of patients do not respond to steroids. New emerging therapies, which target hepatic regeneration, bile acid metabolism, and extracorporeal liver support, are being investigated. Liver transplantation for alcoholic liver disease was traditionally only considered in patients who have achieved 6 months of abstinence, in part due to social and ethical concerns regarding the use of a limited resource. However, the majority of patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis who fail medical therapy will not live long enough to meet this requirement. Recent studies have demonstrated that early liver transplantation in carefully selected patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis who fail medical therapy can provide a significant survival benefit and yields survival outcomes comparable to liver transplantation for other indications, with 6-month survival rates ranging from 77% to 100%. Alcohol relapse posttransplantation remains an important challenge, and heavy consumption can contribute to graft loss and mortality. Future investigation should address the substantial post-liver transplantation recidivism rate, from improving selection criteria to increasing posttransplantation substance abuse treatment resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Ma
- 1 Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Katie Falloon
- 2 Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Po-Hung Chen
- 1 Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Behnam Saberi
- 1 Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Aliaksei Pustavoitau
- 3 Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elif Ozdogan
- 1 Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zhiping Li
- 1 Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Benjamin Philosophe
- 4 Division of Transplant Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrew M Cameron
- 4 Division of Transplant Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ahmet Gurakar
- 1 Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Nahas J, Im GY. Early liver transplantation for severe alcoholic hepatitis. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2018; 11:69-72. [PMID: 30992792 PMCID: PMC6385942 DOI: 10.1002/cld.693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Nahas
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiRecanati/Miller Transplantation InstituteNew YorkNY
| | - Gene Y. Im
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiRecanati/Miller Transplantation InstituteNew YorkNY
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Daswani R, Kumar A, Sharma P, Singla V, Bansal N, Arora A. Role of liver transplantation in severe alcoholic hepatitis. Clin Mol Hepatol 2018; 24:43-50. [PMID: 29316778 PMCID: PMC5875200 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2017.0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe alcoholic hepatitis has very high short term mortality and corticosteroids have been the mainstay of treatment for decades. Patients with Lille score >0.45 are considered non-responders to steroids and have poor outcome. Recently Orthotopic Liver Transplantation (OLT) is being increasingly used as rescue treatment for these patients, without waiting for 6 months of abstinence. Liver transplant is the only rescue treatment which can potentially provide long term benefit for patients who are steroid non-responders. However, with scarcity of organs being a concern, all patients of severe alcoholic hepatitis cannot be chosen for transplantation in an arbitrary way. There is a need for development of predictive tools and objective protocols to select patients who can justify the use of precious liver grafts. With a stringent criteria for selection of patients receiving the graft, liver transplantation in severe alcoholic hepatitis can become a viable rescue therapeutic option conferring significant survival advantage of both short- and long-term basis. The optimal criteria for selection will also prevent misuse of the liver donor pool as well as to prevent mortality in salvageable patients. Further research needs to be done to identify subset of patients which are at low risk of recidivism and also cannot be managed with pharmacotherapy alone. We reviewed the current knowledge on role of OLT in patient with acute severe alcoholic hepatitis in the present review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Daswani
- Institute of Liver, Gastroenterology, & Pancreatico-Biliary Sciences, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Ashish Kumar
- Institute of Liver, Gastroenterology, & Pancreatico-Biliary Sciences, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Praveen Sharma
- Institute of Liver, Gastroenterology, & Pancreatico-Biliary Sciences, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Vikas Singla
- Institute of Liver, Gastroenterology, & Pancreatico-Biliary Sciences, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Naresh Bansal
- Institute of Liver, Gastroenterology, & Pancreatico-Biliary Sciences, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Anil Arora
- Institute of Liver, Gastroenterology, & Pancreatico-Biliary Sciences, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
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Abstract
Acute and chronic alcohol use leads to an impaired immune response and dysregulated inflammatory state that contributes to a markedly increased risk of infection. Via shared mechanisms of immune-mediated injury, alcohol can alter the clinical course of viral infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus. These effects are most evident in patients with alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis. This article provides an overview of alcohol's effect on the immune system and contribution to the risks and outcomes of specific infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Chan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 North St. Clair Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Josh Levitsky
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 North St. Clair Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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Karsan HA, Parekh S. Management of alcoholic hepatitis: Current concepts. World J Hepatol 2012; 4:335-41. [PMID: 23355911 PMCID: PMC3554797 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v4.i12.335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2011] [Revised: 07/23/2012] [Accepted: 11/14/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcoholic hepatitis is a devastating form of acute liver injury seen in chronic alcohol abusers with significant morbidity and mortality. It is a multisystem disease that is precipitated by ingesting large quantities of alcohol with genetic and environmental factors playing a role. Prognostic criteria have been developed to predict disease severity and these criteria can serve as indicators to initiate medical therapy. Primary therapy remains abstinence and supportive care, as continued alcohol abuse is the most important risk factor for disease progression. The cornerstone of supportive care remains aggressive nutritional support, and although acute alcoholic hepatitis has been extensively studied, few specific medical therapies have been successful. Corticosteroids remain the most effective medical therapy available in improving short term survival in a select group of patients with alcoholic hepatitis; however, the long-term outcome of drug therapies is still not entirely clear and further clinical investigation is necessary. While liver transplantation for acute alcoholic hepatitis have demonstrated promising results, this practice remains controversial and has not been advocated universally, with most transplant centers requiring a prolonged period of abstinence before considering transplantation. Extracorporeal liver support devices, although still experimental, have been developed as a form of liver support to give additional time for liver regeneration. These have the potential for a significant therapeutic option in the future for this unfortunately dreadful disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hetal A Karsan
- Hetal A Karsan, Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30342, United States
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Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a known consequence of long-term use of alcohol and is regarded as a turning point in alcohol-induced liver disease because it can lead to cirrhosis. The mechanisms of injury are not well understood, but recent studies have helped advance the understanding of the earliest events in the process that eventually leads to hepatic injury and, in some cases, fibrosis. It is hoped that increasing understanding of the role played by the immune system in the process will lead to the development of new therapies for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupama T Duddempudi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition North Shore University Hospital, 300 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA.
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Varma V, Mehta N, Kumaran V, Nundy S. Indications and contraindications for liver transplantation. Int J Hepatol 2011; 2011:121862. [PMID: 22007310 PMCID: PMC3189562 DOI: 10.4061/2011/121862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2011] [Accepted: 08/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with chronic liver disease and certain patients with acute liver failure require liver transplantation as a life-saving measure. Liver transplantation has undergone major improvements, with better selection of candidates for transplantation and allocation of scarce deceased donor organs (according to more objective criteria). Living donor liver transplantation came into existence to overcome the shortage of donor organs especially in countries where there was virtually no deceased donor programme. Advances in the technical aspects of the procedure, the intraoperative and postoperative care of both recipients and donors, coupled with the introduction of better immunosuppression protocols, have led to graft and patient survivals of over 90% in most high volume centres. Controversial areas like transplantation in alcoholic liver disease without abstinence, acute alcoholic hepatitis, and retransplantation for recurrent hepatitis C virus infection require continuing discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vibha Varma
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology and Liver Transplantation, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Room No. 2221, SSR Block, Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi 110060, India
| | - Naimish Mehta
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology and Liver Transplantation, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Room No. 2221, SSR Block, Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi 110060, India
| | - Vinay Kumaran
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology and Liver Transplantation, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Room No. 2221, SSR Block, Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi 110060, India
| | - Samiran Nundy
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology and Liver Transplantation, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Room No. 2221, SSR Block, Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi 110060, India,*Samiran Nundy:
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Abstract
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is the second commonest indication for liver transplantation after viral hepatitis in the United States and Europe. Controversies surround the indications and allocation of scarce and expensive resource for this so called self inflicted disease. Controversies stem from the apprehension that alcoholic recipients are likely to relapse and cause damage to the graft. There is a need to select those candidates with lower risk for relapse with the available predictive factors and scores. Substance abuse specialist and psychiatrists are mandatory in the pre-transplant evaluation and in the post-transplant follow-up. There is conflicting evidence to support a fixed period of pretransplant abstinence, although most units do follow this. Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) continues to be a contraindication for transplantation, however there is a need for further research in this field as a subset of patients with AH who do not respond to medical treatment, have high early mortality and could benefit from transplantation. One year, 3-year, and 5-year survival post-transplant is similar for both ALD and non-ALD recipients. The incidence of post-transplant rejection and retransplantation is also similar to other recipients. ALD with viral hepatitis especially hepatitis C virus leads to a more aggressive liver disease with early presentation for transplantation. ALD patients are more prone to develop de-novo malignancy; this is attributed to the long term effect of alcohol, tobacco combined with immunosuppression. Post-transplant surveillance is important to detect early relapse to alcoholism, presence of de-novo malignancy and treat the same adequately.
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Carbonneau M, Jensen LA, Bain VG, Kelly K, Meeberg G, Tandon P. Alcohol use while on the liver transplant waiting list: a single-center experience. Liver Transpl 2010; 16:91-7. [PMID: 19866447 DOI: 10.1002/lt.21957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a leading indication for liver transplantation. Our center has randomly checked blood alcohol levels (BALs) in ALD patients on the waiting list since 2004. We aimed to identify the incidence and predictors of inactivation on the transplant list due to alcohol use and to determine the utility of BAL-screening in this process. We conducted a retrospective review of patients with ALD listed for liver transplantation with at least 3 months of postlisting follow-up. Alcohol use while on the transplant list was defined as a positive BAL, an admission of alcohol use, or refusal to perform screening within 12 hours of request. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate risk ratios (RRs). Of 134 patients meeting eligibility criteria, 78% were male, and mean age was 52 years. Alcohol use was documented in 23 patients (17%). Of these, 12 refused to have a random screen, 8 had detectable serum ethanol levels, and 3 had self-reported alcohol use. On multivariable analysis, a higher number of random BAL-checks [RR = 0.63(0.52, 0.76), P = 0.001] and a longer duration of prelisting abstinence [RR = 0.88(0.83, 0.94), P = 0.001] independently reduced the risk of alcohol use by patients while on the waiting list. None of the patients with >24 months of prelisting abstinence had a positive screen. In conclusion, this study supports random BAL-screening before transplantation and reinforces the importance of abstinence duration as a predictor of relapse. For patients with <24 months of prelisting abstinence, our center will increase the frequency of random BAL screening and increase the rehabilitation requirements to include an intensive 3-week rehabilitation program. We hope that these measures will reduce the rate of relapse to alcohol use post-transplantation.
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Tandon P, Goodman KJ, Ma MM, Wong WW, Mason AL, Meeberg G, Bergsten D, Carbonneau M, Bain VG. A shorter duration of pre-transplant abstinence predicts problem drinking after liver transplantation. Am J Gastroenterol 2009; 104:1700-6. [PMID: 19471253 DOI: 10.1038/ajg.2009.226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Liver transplantation for alcoholic liver disease (ALD) can be complicated by abusive or "problem" drinking (PD) after transplant. There are limited data for evaluating the effect of pre-transplant abstinence on post-transplant PD. Few existing studies have included a substantial number of patients with co-existing causes of hepatic dysfunction, and the effect of PD on survival in recent European studies has been controversial. We hypothesized that a longer duration of pre-transplant abstinence would lead to less PD after transplantation. Accordingly, the objectives of this study are to analyze a North American cohort of patients with ALD with or without a secondary diagnosis of liver disease to estimate (i) the incidence of PD and its predictors, as well as (ii) the effect of PD on patient survival. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of all patients transplanted for ALD surviving for more than 3 months after transplant. PD was defined as either any drinking (AD) to the point of intoxication or drinking above the toxic threshold (>20 g/day in women and >40 g/day in men) on at least two separate occasions. We used Cox's proportional hazards regression to estimate risk ratios and Kaplan-Meier curves with log-rank analysis to compare survival. RESULTS Of 213 eligible transplant patients, 42 were excluded. Of the 171 remaining patients, 78% were male; mean age was 52 years. Overall 53% of patients had co-existing causes of liver dysfunction. The mean follow-up was 64.8 months. The median pre-transplant abstinence was 19 months. In all patients, the risk of AD was 24% and PD 13%. Pre-transplant abstinence duration was the only independent predictor of PD after transplant. For every 1-month increment in pre-transplant abstinence, there was a 5% decrease in the adjusted relapse rate. There was no survival difference noted between problem drinkers and non-drinkers. CONCLUSIONS The risk of PD decreased with increasing pre-transplant abstinence. Our data support pre-transplant abstinence as an important predictor of post-transplant recidivism; however, the optimal period of abstinence remains unclear. Patients with <18 months of abstinence may benefit from more intensive follow-up and rehabilitation after transplant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puneeta Tandon
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
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Wells JT, Said A, Agni R, Tome S, Hughes S, Dureja P, Lucey MR. The impact of acute alcoholic hepatitis in the explanted recipient liver on outcome after liver transplantation. Liver Transpl 2007; 13:1728-35. [PMID: 18044757 DOI: 10.1002/lt.21298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Patients with clinical acute alcoholic hepatitis (AAH) are not considered suitable candidates for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The histological correlates of AAH are often seen in the explanted liver at the time of transplantation. The importance of these findings remains inconclusive regarding their role as a prognostic marker for patient or allograft health. Our aim was to examine the explanted liver of patients with purely alcoholic liver disease (ALD) for findings of histologic AAH and to correlate these to patient and graft outcomes. We compared patients with and without histological AAH with patients transplanted for non-ALD. Of 1,097 liver transplant recipients, 148 had ALD and 125 were non-ALD control patients with similar demographics. Thirty-two of 148 ALD patients had histologic AAH, and 116 had bland alcoholic cirrhosis (BAC). Twenty-eight percent of the ALD patients reported <6 months abstinence, and 54% reported <12 months abstinence. There was a statistically significant relationship between the presence of histologic AAH and abstinence durations<12 months (P=0.009), but not <6 months. Overall, posttransplantation patient and graft survival between the ALD and non-ALD groups was not significantly different (P=0.53). Furthermore, patient and graft survival between ALD patients with histologic AAH and BAC were similar (P=0.13 and P=0.11, respectively). The rate of posttransplantation relapse among ALD patients was 16%; however, there was no increase in graft loss, nor was there decreased survival compared with controls. The patients with histologic AAH and those with BAC had no differences in posttransplantation relapse (P=0.13). In multivariate analysis, patient and graft survival was not influenced by pretransplantation abstinence or posttransplantation relapse. In conclusion, histological alcoholic hepatitis in the explant did not predict worse outcome regarding relapse, and allograft or patient survival for liver transplant recipients. Caution should be exercised when liver histology is used to discriminate among suitable candidates for OLT concerning alcoholic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer T Wells
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53711, USA
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Abstract
The development of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) can be attributed to many factors that cause damage to the liver and alter its functions. Data collected over the last 30 years strongly suggests that an immune component may be involved in the onset of this disease. This is best evidenced by the detection of circulating autoantibodies, infiltration of immune cells in the liver, and the detection of hepatic aldehyde modified proteins in patients with ALD. Experimentally, there are numerous immune responses that occur when proteins are modified with the metabolites of ethanol. These products are formed in response to the high oxidative state of the liver during ethanol metabolism, causing the release of many inflammatory processes and potential of necrosis or apoptosis of liver cells. Should cellular proteins become modified with these reactive alcohol metabolites and be recognized by the immune system, then immune responses may be initiated. Therefore, it was the purpose of this article to shed some insight into how the immune system is involved in the development and/or progression of ALD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Duryee
- Omaha VA Medical Center, Research Service 151, Rm 325, 4101 Woolworth Avenue, Omaha, NE 68105, USA.
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Abstract
UNLABELLED Alcoholic hepatitis is a serious complication of alcohol abuse due to its high mortality rates particularly at short term. It may complicate pre-existing alcoholic fatty liver or cirrhosis and is mainly diagnosed on clinical and laboratory grounds although liver biopsy is occasionally needed to exclude other pathology and confirm the diagnosis. Accumulating evidence suggests that cytokines and immunity are actively involved in its pathogenesis. Management includes abstinence and supportive care. Treatment with corticosteroids has been studied in several clinical trials with conflicting results. However, recent evidence supporting the beneficial effect of TNF-alpha inhibition provides an encouraging alternative. Here we summarise the current state in diagnosis and management of alcoholic hepatitis and briefly review the latest advances in pathophysiology that may lead to new therapeutic strategies for this difficult clinical condition. DATA SOURCES Medline 1966-2005, EMBASE/Excerpta Medica 1980-2005, The Cochrane Library (2005 Issue 2) and contact with authors of published reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sougioultzis
- Department of Hepatology, The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and University of Edinburgh, UK
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Tomé S, Martinez-Rey C, González-Quintela A, Gude F, Brage A, Otero E, Abdulkader I, Forteza J, Bustamante M, Varo E. Influence of superimposed alcoholic hepatitis on the outcome of liver transplantation for end-stage alcoholic liver disease. J Hepatol 2002; 36:793-8. [PMID: 12044530 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-8278(02)00047-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Alcoholic cirrhosis is a common indication for liver transplantation. The present study was aimed to assess the influence of superimposed alcoholic hepatitis on the outcome of liver transplantation in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. METHODS Survival rates of 68 patients transplanted for alcoholic cirrhosis were compared with those of 101 patients transplanted for miscellaneous causes. Within the alcoholic group, explanted livers were searched for data of acute alcoholic hepatitis. The survival rate of patients with alcoholic hepatitis superimposed on liver cirrhosis was compared to that of patients with liver cirrhosis alone. Clinical severity of alcoholic hepatitis was assessed with Maddrey's score. RESULTS Survival was similar in alcoholics and patients with other causes of liver disease. Among patients transplanted for alcoholic cirrhosis, survival was similar in patients with superimposed alcoholic hepatitis (n=36) and in cases with liver cirrhosis alone (n=32). There was no difference in survival between patients with mild (n=26) and severe (n=10) alcoholic hepatitis. Seven alcoholics (10%) returned to ethanol consumption. Recidivism was not associated with either alcoholic hepatitis in the explanted liver or graft loss. CONCLUSIONS Survival after liver transplantation in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis plus alcoholic hepatitis detected in the explanted liver is similar to that of patients transplanted for other reasons. Even the presence of severe alcoholic hepatitis does not worsen the outcome of liver transplantation for end-stage alcoholic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Tomé
- Liver Transplantation Unit, Hospital Clínico, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario, C/Choupana sn, 15706, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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Goldar-Najafi A, Gordon FD, Lewis WD, Pomfret E, Pomposelli JJ, Jenkins RL, Khettry U. Liver transplantation for alcoholic liver disease with or without hepatitis C. Int J Surg Pathol 2002; 10:115-22. [PMID: 12075404 DOI: 10.1177/106689690201000204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Alcoholic cirrhosis with or without hepatitis C is a common indication for liver transplantation (LT). Comparative post-LT data for the 2 groups are not available. Our aim is to compare the clinicopathologic features of patients with alcoholic liver disease (ETOH) and ETOH/HCV at the time of and after LT and to determine the impact of concomitant hepatitis C virus (HCV) on ETOH patients undergoing LT. A comparative clinical and pathologic analysis at LT and after LT was performed for 56 patients with ETOH and 32 patients with ETOH/HCV. All 88 had cirrhosis at LT. Other native liver features for ETOH and ETOH/HCV, respectively, were: >2+ inflammation 50/56 and 26/32, Mallory's hyalin 12/56 and 6/32, steatosis 9/56 and 7/32, large cell dysplasia 12/56 and 6/32, hepatoma 4/56 and 4/32, iron deposition 24/56 and 12/32; none was statistically significant. The post-LT findings for ETOH and ETOH/HCV were as follows: 1-year survival 93% and 97%; alive 36/56 (419-4,348 days) and 27/32 (488-5,516 days); deaths 20/56 and 5/32; ETOH recurrence 5/56 (all alive) and 3/32 (1 dead); post-LT HCV 4/56 (acquired) and 22/32 (recurrent). Native liver histology in ETOH and ETOH/HCV patients was similar. Post-LT HCV recurrence was common (69%) in ETOH/HCV patients but resulted in death in only 6%. Post-LT ETOH recurrence was uncommon (9%) and progression to liver failure was rare (1.1%). Post-LT outcome for ETOH was excellent, and concomitant HCV did not affect survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atoussa Goldar-Najafi
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center & Harvard Medical School, Boston MA, USA
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Neuberger J, Schulz KH, Day C, Fleig W, Berlakovich GA, Berenguer M, Pageaux GP, Lucey M, Horsmans Y, Burroughs A, Hockerstedt K. Transplantation for alcoholic liver disease. J Hepatol 2002; 36:130-7. [PMID: 11804676 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-8278(01)00278-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James Neuberger
- Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK.
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Abstract
Alcoholic hepatitis is a multisystem disease seen in individuals who chronically abuse alcohol. When severe, it is associated with a very high mortality rate, with nearly 50% of severely affected persons dying within 1 month of hospitalization. Primary therapy is complete alcohol abstinence and supportive care. Corticosteroids have been shown to be beneficial in a subset of severely ill patients with alcoholic hepatitis and concomitant hepatic encephalopathy. Pentoxifylline has been shown to improve short-term survival rates. Other pharmacologic interventions, including colchicine, propylthiouracil, calcium channel antagonists, and insulin with glucagon infusions, have not been proven to be beneficial. Nutritional supplementation with high-calorie, high-protein diets does not improve mortality rates. Orthotopic liver transplantation is highly controversial in this population of patients and currently is not indicated as definitive treatment. Extracorporeal liver support devices are still in their developmental stage and are only experimental.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven-Huy Bui Han
- Division of Digestive Diseases, University of California at Los Angeles School of Medicine, 10945 Le Conte Avenue, 2114 PVUB, Los Angeles, CA 90095-6949, USA.
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Agthoven M, Ineveld BM, Metselaar H, Man RA, Tilanus H, IJzermans JNM. A comparison of the costs and effects of liver transplantation for acute and for chronic liver failure. Transpl Int 2001. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-2277.2001.tb00019.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Bravata DM, Olkin I, Barnato AE, Keeffe EB, Owens DK. Employment and alcohol use after liver transplantation for alcoholic and nonalcoholic liver disease: a systematic review. Liver Transpl 2001; 7:191-203. [PMID: 11244159 DOI: 10.1053/jlts.2001.22326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of the study is to evaluate patterns of employment and alcohol use among liver transplant recipients with alcoholic (ALD) and nonalcoholic liver disease (non-ALD). MEDLINE, EMBASE, and bibliographic searches identified 5,505 potentially relevant articles published between January 1966 and October 1998. Eighty-two studies reporting data on 5,020 transplant recipients met our inclusion criteria. Pre-orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), 29% of transplant recipients with ALD and 59% of those with non-ALD worked versus 33% and 80% at 3 years for transplant recipients with ALD and non-ALD, respectively (P <.00001 for each interval). We found no difference in the proportion of transplant recipients with ALD and non-ALD reporting early alcohol use post-OLT: 4% versus 5% at 6 months and 17% versus 16% at 12 months. However, among post-OLT drinkers, transplant recipients with non-ALD were more likely to drink moderately and those with ALD to drink excessively. At 7 years post-OLT, 32% of the patients with ALD reported using alcohol. The odds ratio for alcohol use among patients who maintained abstinence for fewer than 6 months pre-OLT versus those who maintained abstinence for greater than 6 months was 7.8 (95% confidence interval, 4.0 to 15.3). Before OLT and at long-term follow-up, substantially more transplant recipients with non-ALD than ALD were employed. The proportions of transplant recipients with ALD and non-ALD reporting alcohol use did not differ, although those with ALD tended to consume greater quantities.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Bravata
- Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
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Lieber CS. Hepatic, metabolic, and nutritional disorders of alcoholism: from pathogenesis to therapy. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2000; 37:551-84. [PMID: 11192332 DOI: 10.1080/10408360091174312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Much progress has been made in the understanding of the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease, resulting in an improvement in treatment. Nutritional deficiencies should be corrected when present but, because of the alcohol-induced disease process, some of the nutritional requirements change. For instance, methionine, one of the essential amino acids for humans, must be activated to S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), but, in severe liver disease, the activity of the corresponding enzyme is depressed. Therefore, the resulting deficiencies and associated pathology can be attenuated by the administration of SAMe, but not by methionine. Similarly, phosphatidylethanolamine methyltransferase (PEMT) activity, which is important for hepatic phosphatidylcholine (PC) synthesis, is also depressed in alcoholic liver disease, therefore calling for the administration of the products of the reaction. Inasmuch as free radical generation by the ethanol-induced CYP2E1 plays a key role in the oxidative stress, inhibitors of this enzyme have great promise and PPC, which is presently being evaluated clinically, is particularly interesting because of its innocuity. In view of the striking negative interaction between alcoholic liver injury and hepatitis C, an antiviral agent is eagerly awaited that, unlike Interferon, is not contraindicated in the alcoholic. Antiinflamatory agents may also be useful. In addition to steroids, down-regulators of cytokines and endotoxin are being considered. Finally, anticraving agents such as naltrexone or acamprosate should be incorporated into any contemplated therapeutic cocktail.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Lieber
- Alcohol Research and Treatment Center, Section of Liver Disease and Nutrition and Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Bronx Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York 10468, USA
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Abstract
Much progress has been made in the understanding of the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease, resulting in improvement of prevention and therapy, with promising prospects for even more effective treatments. The most successful approaches that one can expect to evolve are those that deal with the fundamental cellular disturbances resulting from excessive alcohol consumption. Two pathologic concepts are emerging as particularly useful therapeutically. Whereas it continues to be important to replenish nutritional deficiencies, when present, it is crucial to recognize that because of the alcohol-induced disease process, some of the nutritional requirements change. This is exemplified by methionine, which normally is one of the essential amino acids for humans, but needs to be activated to S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), a process impaired by the disease. Thus, SAMe rather than methionine is the compound that must be supplemented in the presence of significant liver disease. Indeed, SAMe was found to attenuate mitochondrial lesions in baboons, replenish glutathione, and significantly reduce mortality in patients with Child A or B cirrhosis. Similarly, polyenylphosphatidylcholine (PPC) corrects the ethanol-induced hepatic phospholipid depletion as well as the decreased phosphatidylethanolamine methyltransferase activity and opposes oxidative stress. It also deactivates hepatic stellate cells, whereas its dilinoleoyl species (DLPC) increases collagenase activity, resulting in prevention of ethanol-induced septal fibrosis and cirrhosis in the baboon. Clinical trials with PPC are ongoing in patients with alcoholic liver disease. Furthermore, enzymes useful for detoxification, such as CYP2E1, when excessively induced, become harmful and should be downregulated. PPC is one of the substances with anti-CYP2E1 properties that is now emerging. Another important aspect is the association of alcoholic liver disease with hepatitis C: a quarter of all patients with alcoholic liver disease also have markers of HCV infection, with an even higher incidence in some urban areas but, at present, no specific therapy is available since interferon is contraindicated in that population. However, in addition to antiviral medications, agents that oppose oxidative stress and fibrosis should also be tested for hepatitis C treatment since these two processes contribute much to the pathology and mortality associated with the virus. In addition to antioxidants (such as PPC, silymarin, alpha-tocopherol and selenium), anti-inflammatory medications (corticosteroids, colchicine, anticytokines) are also being tested as antifibrotics. Transplantation is now accepted treatment in alcoholics who have brought their alcoholism under control and who benefit from adequate social support but organ availability is still the major limiting factor and should be expanded more aggressively. Finally, abstinence from excessive drinking is always indicated; it is difficult to achieve but agents that oppose alcohol craving are becoming available and they should be used more extensively.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Lieber
- Alcohol Research and Treatment Center, Bronx Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY 10468, USA.
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Conjeevaram HS, Hart J, Lissoos TW, Schiano TD, Dasgupta K, Befeler AS, Millis JM, Baker AL. Rapidly progressive liver injury and fatal alcoholic hepatitis occurring after liver transplantation in alcoholic patients. Transplantation 1999; 67:1562-8. [PMID: 10401763 DOI: 10.1097/00007890-199906270-00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) is a common indication for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in adults. Although return to 'heavy drinking' post-OLT is believed to be uncommon, the prevalence and severity of alcohol-related liver injury in such patients is not well characterized. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 68 adult patients who underwent OLT for ALD to determine the incidence of return to heavy drinking and to assess their clinical outcome. Follow-up ranged from 8-99 months (mean 42) post-OLT; 54 patients were followed for > or = 12 months. Ten patients (15%) had evidence of coexisting viral hepatitis (hepatitis C in 9 and hepatitis B in 1) before OLT. Six of 68 patients (8%) returned to heavy drinking post-OLT, and three of those died of alcoholic hepatitis at nine months, 2.5 and 3.5 years after OLT. In two of these three patients, premortem liver biopsy showed histologic features of alcoholic hepatitis in addition to bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis. None of the three patients who died of ALD had coexisting viral hepatitis. Of the 57 patients surviving for > or = 3 months post-OLT, 4 of 8 patients (50%) with steatosis and Mallory bodies in their native livers returned to heavy drinking compared to only 2/49 (4%) without these histologic findings (P<0.05). In conclusion, the incidence of heavy drinking post-OLT was uncommon, however, it was associated with fatal alcoholic hepatitis in 50% of patients. Rapidly progressive alcohol-related liver injury was seen even in the absence of coexisting viral hepatitis. The presence of steatosis and Mallory bodies in the native liver, which suggests recent or ongoing alcohol-related liver injury, predicted a return to heavy drinking post-OLT.
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Affiliation(s)
- H S Conjeevaram
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago Hospitals and Clinics, Illinois 60637, USA
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Shelton W, Balint JA. Fair treatment of alcoholic patients in the context of liver transplantation. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 1997; 21:93-100. [PMID: 9046379 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.1997.tb03734.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- W Shelton
- Department of Medicine, Albany Medical College, New York 12208, USA
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Sorrell MF, Zetterman RK, Donovan JP. Alcoholic hepatitis and liver transplantation: the controversy continues. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 1994; 18:222-3. [PMID: 8048716 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.1994.tb00003.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Miller C, Kamean J, Berk PD. Liver transplantation for alcoholic hepatitis? An unanswered question. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 1994; 18:224-7. [PMID: 8048717 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.1994.tb00004.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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