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Biolato M, Miele L, Marrone G, Tarli C, Liguori A, Calia R, Addolorato G, Agnes S, Gasbarrini A, Pompili M, Grieco A. Frequency of and reasons behind non-listing in adult patients referred for liver transplantation: Results from a retrospective study. World J Transplant 2024; 14:92376. [DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v14.i2.92376] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have evaluated the frequency of and the reasons behind the refusal of listing liver transplantation candidates.
AIM To assess the ineligibility rate for liver transplantation and its motivations.
METHODS A single-center retrospective study was conducted on adult patients which entailed a formal multidisciplinary assessment for liver transplantation eligibility. The predictors for listing were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression.
RESULTS In our center, 314 patients underwent multidisciplinary work-up before liver transplantation enlisting over a three-year period. The most frequent reasons for transplant evaluation were decompensated cirrhosis (51.6%) and hepatocellular carcinoma (35.7%). The non-listing rate was 53.8% and the transplant rate was 34.4% for the whole cohort. Two hundred and five motivations for ineligibility were collected. The most common contraindications were psychological (9.3%), cardiovascular (6.8%), and surgical (5.9%). Inappropriate or premature referral accounted for 76 (37.1%) cases. On multivariable analysis, a referral from another hospital (OR: 2.113; 95%CI: 1.259–3.548) served as an independent predictor of non-listing.
CONCLUSION A non-listing decision occurred in half of our cohort and was based on an inappropriate or premature referral in one case out of three. The referral from another hospital was taken as a strong predictor of non-listing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Biolato
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, CEMAD, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Luca Miele
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, CEMAD, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Marrone
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, CEMAD, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Claudia Tarli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, CEMAD, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Antonio Liguori
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, CEMAD, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Rosaria Calia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, CEMAD, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Giovanni Addolorato
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, CEMAD, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Salvatore Agnes
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, CEMAD, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, CEMAD, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Maurizio Pompili
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, CEMAD, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Antonio Grieco
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, CEMAD, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome 00168, Italy
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2
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Malik AK, Tingle SJ, Varghese C, Owen R, Mahendran B, Figueiredo R, Amer AO, Currie IS, White SA, Manas DM, Wilson CH. Does Time to Asystole in Donors After Circulatory Death Impact Recipient Outcome in Liver Transplantation? Transplantation 2024:00007890-990000000-00767. [PMID: 38780399 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000005074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The agonal phase can vary following treatment withdrawal in donor after circulatory death (DCD). There is little evidence to support when procurement teams should stand down in relation to donor time to death (TTD). We assessed what impact TTD had on outcomes following DCD liver transplantation. METHODS Data were extracted from the UK Transplant Registry on DCD liver transplant recipients from 2006 to 2021. TTD was the time from withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment to asystole, and functional warm ischemia time was the time from donor systolic blood pressure and/or oxygen saturation falling below 50 mm Hg and 70%, respectively, to aortic perfusion. The primary endpoint was 1-y graft survival. Potential predictors were fitted into Cox proportional hazards models. Adjusted restricted cubic spline models were generated to further delineate the relationship between TTD and outcome. RESULTS One thousand five hundred fifty-eight recipients of a DCD liver graft were included. Median TTD in the entire cohort was 13 min (interquartile range, 9-17 min). Restricted cubic splines revealed that the risk of graft loss was significantly greater when TTD ≤14 min. After 14 min, there was no impact on graft loss. Prolonged hepatectomy time was significantly associated with graft loss (hazard ratio, 1.87; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-2.83; P = 0.003); however, functional warm ischemia time had no impact (hazard ratio, 1.00; 95% confidence interval, 0.44-2.27; P > 0.9). CONCLUSIONS A very short TTD was associated with increased risk of graft loss, possibly because of such donors being more unstable and/or experiencing brain stem death as well as circulatory death. Expanding the stand down times may increase the utilization of donor livers without significantly impairing graft outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah K Malik
- Institute of Transplantation, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- NIHR Blood and Transplant Research Unit in Organ Donation and Transplantation, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel J Tingle
- Institute of Transplantation, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- NIHR Blood and Transplant Research Unit in Organ Donation and Transplantation, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Varghese
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ruth Owen
- Department of Surgery, The Royal Oldham Hospital, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Balaji Mahendran
- Institute of Transplantation, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- NIHR Blood and Transplant Research Unit in Organ Donation and Transplantation, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Rodrigo Figueiredo
- Institute of Transplantation, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Aimen O Amer
- Institute of Transplantation, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Ian S Currie
- National Health Service Blood and Transplant, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Edinburgh Transplant Centre, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Steven A White
- Institute of Transplantation, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Derek M Manas
- Institute of Transplantation, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- NIHR Blood and Transplant Research Unit in Organ Donation and Transplantation, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- National Health Service Blood and Transplant, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Colin H Wilson
- Institute of Transplantation, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- NIHR Blood and Transplant Research Unit in Organ Donation and Transplantation, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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3
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Rolak S, Elhawary A, Diwan T, Watt KD. Futility and poor outcomes are not the same thing: A clinical perspective of refined outcomes definitions in liver transplantation. Liver Transpl 2024; 30:421-430. [PMID: 38240612 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000331] [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: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/16/2024]
Abstract
The term "futility" in liver transplantation is used inappropriately and inaccurately, as it is frequently applied to patient populations with suboptimal outcomes that are often not truly "futile." The term "futile" is used interchangeably with poor outcomes. Not all poor outcomes fulfill a definition of futility when considering all viewpoints. Definitions of "futility" are variable throughout the medical literature. We review futility in the context of liver transplantation, encompassing various viewpoints, with a goal to propose focused outcome definitions, including futility, that encompass broader viewpoints, and improve the utilization of "futility" to truly futile situations, and improve communication between providers and patients/families. Focused, appropriate definitions will help the transplant community develop better models to more accurately predict and avoid futile transplants, and better predict an individual patient's posttransplant outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey Rolak
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ahmed Elhawary
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Tayyab Diwan
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Kymberly D Watt
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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4
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Feng S, Roll GR, Rouhani FJ, Sanchez Fueyo A. The future of liver transplantation. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00817. [PMID: 38537154 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000873] [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: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Over the last 50 years, liver transplantation has evolved into a procedure routinely performed in many countries worldwide. Those able to access this therapy frequently experience a miraculous risk-benefit ratio, particularly if they face the imminently life-threatening disease. Over the decades, the success of liver transplantation, with dramatic improvements in early posttransplant survival, has aggressively driven demand. However, despite the emergence of living donors to augment deceased donors as a source of organs, supply has lagged far behind demand. As a result, rationing has been an unfortunate focus in recent decades. Recent shifts in the epidemiology of liver disease combined with transformative innovations in liver preservation suggest that the underlying premise of organ shortage may erode in the foreseeable future. The focus will sharpen on improving equitable access while mitigating constraints related to workforce training, infrastructure for organ recovery and rehabilitation, and their associated costs. Research efforts in liver preservation will undoubtedly blossom with the aim of optimizing both the timing and conditions of transplantation. Coupled with advances in genetic engineering, regenerative biology, and cellular therapies, the portfolio of innovation, both broad and deep, offers the promise that, in the future, liver transplantation will not only be broadly available to those in need but also represent a highly durable life-saving therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandy Feng
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Garrett R Roll
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Foad J Rouhani
- Tissue Regeneration and Clonal Evolution Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London, King's College Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Alberto Sanchez Fueyo
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London, King's College Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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5
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Allen E, Taylor R, Gimson A, Thorburn D. Transplant benefit-based offering of deceased donor livers in the United Kingdom. J Hepatol 2024:S0168-8278(24)00203-4. [PMID: 38521169 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The National Liver Offering Scheme (NLOS) was introduced in the UK in 2018 to offer livers from deceased donors to patients on the national waiting list based, for most patients, on calculated transplant benefit. Before NLOS, livers were offered to transplant centres by geographic donor zones and, within centres, by estimated recipient need for a transplant. METHODS UK Transplant Registry data on patient registrations and transplants were analysed to build statistical models for survival on the list (M1) and survival post-transplantation (M2). A separate cohort of registrations - not seen by the models before - was analysed to simulate what liver allocation would have been under M1, M2 and a transplant benefit score (TBS) model (combining both M1 and M2), and to compare these allocations to what had been recorded in the UK Transplant Registry. The number of deaths on the waiting list and patient life years were used to compare the different simulation scenarios and to select the optimal allocation model. Registry data were monitored, pre- and post-NLOS, to understand the performance of the scheme. RESULTS The TBS was identified as the optimal model to offer donation after brain death (DBD) livers to adult and large paediatric elective recipients. In the first 2 years of NLOS, 68% of DBD livers were offered using the TBS to this type of recipient. Monitoring data indicate that mortality on the waiting list post-NLOS significantly decreased compared with pre-NLOS (p <0.0001), and that patient survival post-listing was significantly greater post-compared to pre-NLOS (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS In the first two years of NLOS offering, waiting list mortality fell while post-transplant survival was not negatively impacted, delivering on the scheme's objectives. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS The National Liver Offering Scheme (NLOS) was introduced in the UK in 2018 to increase transparency of the deceased donor liver offering process, maximise the overall survival of the waiting list population, and improve equity of access to liver transplantation. To our knowledge, it is the first scheme that offers organs based on statistical prediction of transplant benefit: the transplant benefit score. The results are important to the transplant community - from healthcare practitioners to patients - and demonstrate that, in the first two years of NLOS offering, waiting list mortality fell while post-transplant survival was not negatively impacted, thus delivering on the scheme's objectives. The scheme continues to be monitored to ensure that the transplant benefit score remains up-to-date and that signals that suggest the possible disadvantage of some patients are investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Allen
- Statistics and Clinical Research, NHS Blood and Transplant, Bristol, UK.
| | - Rhiannon Taylor
- Statistics and Clinical Research, NHS Blood and Transplant, Bristol, UK
| | - Alexander Gimson
- Cambridge Centre for AI in Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Douglas Thorburn
- Sheila Sherlock Liver Center & UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
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6
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Krendl FJ, Bellotti R, Sapisochin G, Schaefer B, Tilg H, Scheidl S, Margreiter C, Schneeberger S, Oberhuber R, Maglione M. Transplant oncology - Current indications and strategies to advance the field. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:100965. [PMID: 38304238 PMCID: PMC10832300 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) was originally described by Starzl as a promising strategy to treat primary malignancies of the liver. Confronted with high recurrence rates, indications drifted towards non-oncologic liver diseases with LT finally evolving from a high-risk surgery to an almost routine surgical procedure. Continuously improving outcomes following LT and evolving oncological treatment strategies have driven renewed interest in transplant oncology. This is not only reflected by constant refinements to the criteria for LT in patients with HCC, but especially by efforts to expand indications to other primary and secondary liver malignancies. With new patient-centred oncological treatments on the rise and new technologies to expand the donor pool, the field has the chance to come full circle. In this review, we focus on the concept of transplant oncology, current indications, as well as technical and ethical aspects in the context of donor organs as precious resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix J. Krendl
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ruben Bellotti
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gonzalo Sapisochin
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Benedikt Schaefer
- Department of Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Herbert Tilg
- Department of Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Stefan Scheidl
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christian Margreiter
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Stefan Schneeberger
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Rupert Oberhuber
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Manuel Maglione
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
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7
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Krendl FJ, Fodor M, Buch ML, Singh J, Esser H, Cardini B, Resch T, Maglione M, Margreiter C, Schlosser L, Hell T, Schaefer B, Zoller H, Tilg H, Schneeberger S, Oberhuber R. The BAR Score Predicts and Stratifies Outcomes Following Liver Retransplantation: Insights From a Retrospective Cohort Study. Transpl Int 2024; 37:12104. [PMID: 38304197 PMCID: PMC10833230 DOI: 10.3389/ti.2024.12104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Liver retransplantation (reLT) yields poorer outcomes than primary liver transplantation, necessitating careful patient selection to avoid futile reLT. We conducted a retrospective analysis to assess reLT outcomes and identify associated risk factors. All adult patients who underwent a first reLT at the Medical University of Innsbruck from 2000 to 2021 (N = 111) were included. Graft- and patient survival were assessed via Kaplan-Meier plots and log-rank tests. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of graft loss. Five-year graft- and patient survival rates were 64.9% and 67.6%, respectively. The balance of risk (BAR) score was found to correlate with and be predictive of graft loss and patient death. The BAR score also predicted sepsis (AUC 0.676) and major complications (AUC 0.720). Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified sepsis [HR 5.179 (95% CI 2.575-10.417), p < 0.001] as the most significant independent risk factor for graft loss. At a cutoff of 18 points, the 5 year graft survival rate fell below 50%. The BAR score, a simple and easy to use score available at the time of organ acceptance, predicts and stratifies clinically relevant outcomes following reLT and may aid in clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix J. Krendl
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Margot Fodor
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Madita L. Buch
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jessica Singh
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hannah Esser
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Benno Cardini
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Thomas Resch
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Manuel Maglione
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christian Margreiter
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Tobias Hell
- Department of Mathematics, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Benedikt Schaefer
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Heinz Zoller
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Herbert Tilg
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Stefan Schneeberger
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Rupert Oberhuber
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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8
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Abstract
Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) is a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. Epidemiological trends indicate recent and predicted increases in the burden of disease. Disease progression is driven by continued alcohol exposure on a background of genetic predisposition together with environmental cofactors. Most individuals present with advanced disease despite a long history of excessive alcohol consumption and multiple missed opportunities to intervene. Increasing evidence supports the use of non-invasive tests to screen for and identify disease at earlier stages. There is a definite role for public health measures to reduce the overall burden of disease. At an individual level, however, the ability to influence subsequent disease course by modifying alcohol consumption or the underlying pathogenic mechanisms remains limited due to a comparative lack of effective, disease-modifying medical interventions. Abstinence from alcohol is the key determinant of outcome in established ALD and the cornerstone of clinical management. In those with decompensated ALD, liver transplant has a clear role. There is consensus that abstinence from alcohol for an arbitrary period should not be the sole determinant in a decision to transplant. An increasing understanding of the mechanisms by which alcohol causes liver disease in susceptible individuals offers the prospect of new therapeutic targets for disease-modifying drugs. Successful translation will require significant public and private investment in a disease area which has traditionally been underfunded when compared to its overall prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Thursz
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
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9
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Mansour D, Masson S, Shawcross DL, Douds AC, Bonner E, Corless L, Leithead JA, Hammond J, Heneghan MA, Rahim MN, Tripathi D, West R, Johnson J, Botterill G, Hollywood C, Ross V, Donnelly M, Compston JE, McPherson S, Grapes A. British Society of Gastroenterology Best Practice Guidance: outpatient management of cirrhosis - part 1: compensated cirrhosis. Frontline Gastroenterol 2023; 14:453-461. [PMID: 37862444 PMCID: PMC10579555 DOI: 10.1136/flgastro-2023-102430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of cirrhosis has risen significantly over recent decades and is predicted to rise further. Widespread use of non-invasive testing means cirrhosis is increasingly diagnosed at an earlier stage. Despite this, there are significant variations in outcomes in patients with cirrhosis across the UK, and patients in areas with higher levels of deprivation are more likely to die from their liver disease. This three-part best practice guidance aims to address outpatient management of cirrhosis, in order to standardise care and to reduce the risk of progression, decompensation and mortality from liver disease. Here, in part one, we focus on outpatient management of compensated cirrhosis, encompassing hepatocellular cancer surveillance, screening for varices and osteoporosis, vaccination and lifestyle measures. We also introduce a compensated cirrhosis care bundle for use in the outpatient setting. Part two concentrates on outpatient management of decompensated disease including management of ascites, encephalopathy, varices, nutrition as well as liver transplantation and palliative care. The third part of the guidance covers special circumstances encountered in managing people with cirrhosis: surgery, pregnancy, travel, managing bleeding risk for invasive procedures and portal vein thrombosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Mansour
- Newcastle Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Gastroenterology and hepatology, Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust, Gateshead, UK
| | - Steven Masson
- Newcastle Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Hepatology, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK
| | | | - Andrew C Douds
- Gastroenterology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kings Lynn, UK
| | - Emily Bonner
- Anaesthetics, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Lynsey Corless
- Gastroenterology, Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull, UK
- Hull York Medical School, Hull, UK
| | - Joanna A Leithead
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Forth Valley Royal Hospital, Larbert, UK
| | - John Hammond
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Multidisciplinary Team, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Michael A Heneghan
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Dhiraj Tripathi
- Liver Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Jill Johnson
- Dietetics, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Coral Hollywood
- Hepatology, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cheltenham, UK
| | - Valerie Ross
- Pharmacy, Barts and The London NHS Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Juliet E Compston
- Medicine, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stuart McPherson
- Newcastle Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Hepatology, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Allison Grapes
- Gastroenterology and hepatology, Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust, Gateshead, UK
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10
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Price I, Wood A. Adult liver transplantation for the advanced clinical practitioner: an overview. BRITISH JOURNAL OF NURSING (MARK ALLEN PUBLISHING) 2022; 31:924-932. [PMID: 36227790 DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2022.31.18.924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) is a major surgical undertaking but, in a carefully selected population, it provides excellent outcomes in terms of prolongation of life and improvements in quality of life. This article outlines the processes of referral, assessment, operative course and post-transplant complications of LT, in the UK context. Specific consideration is also given to immunosuppressive medications and considerations around their prescription. The role of the advanced clinical practitioner (ACP) in primary or secondary care may focus on identifying potential candidates for transplantation and ensuring timely discussion and referral. Thus, a familiarity with eligibility criteria, and where to access this information, is important for all ACPs. Additionally, the increasing numbers of transplants performed in the UK mean that there is a large population of post-transplant patients in the wider community. These patients may present to healthcare services with a variety of issues relating to their LT, where early recognition and treatment has the potential to have major impacts on patient, or graft, function and longevity. Due to this, early discussions with specialist transplant centres is advised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Price
- Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Edinburgh Transplant Centre, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh
| | - Alison Wood
- Programme Leader and Lecturer, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
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Drenth J, Barten T, Hartog H, Nevens F, Taubert R, Torra Balcells R, Vilgrain V, Böttler T. EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of cystic liver diseases. J Hepatol 2022; 77:1083-1108. [PMID: 35728731 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The advent of enhanced radiological imaging techniques has facilitated the diagnosis of cystic liver lesions. Concomitantly, the evidence base supporting the management of these diseases has matured over the last decades. As a result, comprehensive clinical guidance on the subject matter is warranted. These Clinical Practice Guidelines cover the diagnosis and management of hepatic cysts, mucinous cystic neoplasms of the liver, biliary hamartomas, polycystic liver disease, Caroli disease, Caroli syndrome, biliary hamartomas and peribiliary cysts. On the basis of in-depth review of the relevant literature we provide recommendations to navigate clinical dilemmas followed by supporting text. The recommendations are graded according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine system and categorised as 'weak' or 'strong'. We aim to provide the best available evidence to aid the clinical decision-making process in the management of patients with cystic liver disease.
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12
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Pippard B, Bhatnagar M, McNeill L, Donnelly M, Frew K, Aujayeb A. Hepatic Hydrothorax: A Narrative Review. Pulm Ther 2022; 8:241-254. [PMID: 35751800 PMCID: PMC9458779 DOI: 10.1007/s41030-022-00195-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic hydrothorax (HH) represents a distinct clinical entity within the broader classification of pleural effusion that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The median survival of patients with cirrhosis who develop HH is 8-12 months. The diagnosis is typically made in the context of advanced liver disease and ascites, in the absence of underlying cardio-pulmonary pathology. A multi-disciplinary approach to management, involving respiratory physicians, hepatologists, and palliative care specialists is crucial to ensuring optimal patient-centered care. However, the majority of accepted therapeutic options are based on expert opinion rather than large, adequately powered randomized controlled trials. In this narrative review, we discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical characteristics, and management of HH, highlighting the use of salt restriction and diuretic therapy, porto-systemic shunts, and liver transplantation. We include specific sections focusing on the role of pleural interventions and palliative care, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Pippard
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, Sunderland, UK
| | - Malvika Bhatnagar
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, Sunderland, UK
| | - Lisa McNeill
- Department of Hepatology, The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Mhairi Donnelly
- Department of Hepatology, The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Katie Frew
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, North Shields, UK
| | - Avinash Aujayeb
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, North Shields, Northumbria Way, Northumberland, Cramlington, NE23 6NZ, UK.
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13
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Disparities in the Use of Older Donation After Circulatory Death Liver Allografts in the United States Versus the United Kingdom. Transplantation 2022; 106:e358-e367. [PMID: 35642976 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to assess the differences between the United States and the United Kingdom in the characteristics and posttransplant survival of patients who received donation after circulatory death (DCD) liver allografts from donors aged >60 y. METHODS Data were collected from the UK Transplant Registry and the United Network for Organ Sharing databases. Cohorts were dichotomized into donor age subgroups (donor >60 y [D >60]; donor ≤60 y [D ≤60]). Study period: January 1, 2001, to December 31, 2015. RESULTS 1157 DCD LTs were performed in the United Kingdom versus 3394 in the United States. Only 13.8% of US DCD donors were aged >50 y, contrary to 44.3% in the United Kingdom. D >60 were 22.6% in the United Kingdom versus 2.4% in the United States. In the United Kingdom, 64.2% of D >60 clustered in 2 metropolitan centers. In the United States, there was marked inter-regional variation. A total of 78.3% of the US DCD allografts were used locally. One- and 5-y unadjusted DCD graft survival was higher in the United Kingdom versus the United States (87.3% versus 81.4%, and 78.0% versus 71.3%, respectively; P < 0.001). One- and 5-y D >60 graft survival was higher in the United Kingdom (87.3% versus 68.1%, and 77.9% versus 51.4%, United Kingdom versus United States, respectively; P < 0.001). In both groups, grafts from donors ≤30 y had the best survival. Survival was similar for donors aged 41 to 50 versus 51 to 60 in both cohorts. CONCLUSIONS Compared with the United Kingdom, older DCD LT utilization remained low in the United States, with worse D >60 survival. Nonetheless, present data indicate similar survivals for older donors aged ≤60, supporting an extension to the current US DCD age cutoff.
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14
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Mei X, Li H, Deng G, Wang X, Zheng X, Huang Y, Chen J, Meng Z, Gao Y, Liu F, Lu X, Shi Y, Zheng Y, Yan H, Zhang W, Qiao L, Gu W, Zhang Y, Xiang X, Zhou Y, Sun S, Hou Y, Zhang Q, Xiong Y, Zou C, Chen J, Huang Z, Li B, Jiang X, Zhong G, Wang H, Chen Y, Luo S, Gao N, Liu C, Li J, Li T, Zheng R, Zhou X, Ren H, Yuan W, Qian Z. Prevalence and clinical significance of serum sodium variability in patients with acute-on-chronic liver diseases: a prospective multicenter study in China. Hepatol Int 2022; 16:183-194. [PMID: 35037228 PMCID: PMC8761510 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-021-10282-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Background No reports exist regarding the prevalence of different Na levels and their relationship with 90-day prognosis in hospitalized patients with acute-on-chronic liver disease (AoCLD) in China. Therefore, the benefit of hyponatremia correction in AoCLD patients remains unclear. Methods We prospectively collected the data of 3970 patients with AoCLD from the CATCH-LIFE cohort in China. The prevalence of different Na levels (≤ 120; 120–135; 135–145; > 145) and their relationship with 90-day prognosis were analyzed. For hyponatremic patients, we measured Na levels on days 4 and 7 and compared their characteristics, based on whether hyponatremia was corrected. Results A total of 3880 patients were involved; 712 of those developed adverse outcomes within 90 days. There were 80 (2.06%) hypernatremic, 28 (0.72%) severe hyponatremic, and 813 (20.95%) mild hyponatremic patients at admission. After adjusting for all confounding factors, the risk of 90-day adverse outcomes decreased by 5% (odds ratio [OR] 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.93–0.97; p < 0.001), 24% (OR 0.76; 95% CI 0.70–0.84; p < 0.001), and 42% (OR 0.58; 95% CI 0.49–0.70; p < 0.001) as Na level increased by 1, 5, and 10 mmol/L, respectively. Noncorrection of hyponatremia on days 4 and 7 was associated with 2.05-fold (hazard ratio [HR], 2.05; 95% CI, 1.50–2.79; p < 0.001) and 1.46-fold (HR 1.46; 95% CI 1.05–2.02; p = 0.028) higher risk of adverse outcomes. Conclusions Hyponatremia was an independent risk factor for a poor 90-day prognosis in patients with AoCLD. Failure to correct hyponatremia in a week after admission was often associated with increased mortality. (ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT02457637, NCT03641872). Clinical Trial Numbers This study is registered at Shanghai www.clinicaltrials.org (NCT02457637 and NCT03641872). Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12072-021-10282-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Mei
- Department of Liver Intensive Care Unit, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Centre (Fudan University), 2901 Cao Lang Road, Jinshan District, Shanghai, 201508, China
| | - Hai Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chinese Ministry of Health (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Shanghai, China
| | - Guohong Deng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Xianbo Wang
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Zheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infection and Immunology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hunan Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jinjun Chen
- Hepatology Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongji Meng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Yanhang Gao
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaobo Lu
- Infectious Disease Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Yu Shi
- The State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Disease, Hangzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center of Infectious Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yubao Zheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huadong Yan
- Department of Hepatology, Number 2 Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Weituo Zhang
- Clinical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Qiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chinese Ministry of Health (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Shanghai, China
| | - Wenyi Gu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chinese Ministry of Health (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chinese Ministry of Health (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaomei Xiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Shuning Sun
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yixin Hou
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qun Zhang
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Xiong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infection and Immunology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Congcong Zou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infection and Immunology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hunan Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zebing Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hunan Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Beiling Li
- Hepatology Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiuhua Jiang
- Hepatology Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guotao Zhong
- Hepatology Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiyu Wang
- Hepatology Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Sen Luo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Na Gao
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chunyan Liu
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Rongjiong Zheng
- Infectious Disease Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Xinyi Zhou
- Infectious Disease Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Haotang Ren
- The State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Disease, Hangzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center of Infectious Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- Department of Liver Intensive Care Unit, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Centre (Fudan University), 2901 Cao Lang Road, Jinshan District, Shanghai, 201508, China.
| | - Zhiping Qian
- Department of Liver Intensive Care Unit, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Centre (Fudan University), 2901 Cao Lang Road, Jinshan District, Shanghai, 201508, China.
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15
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Masson S, Taylor R, Whitney J, Adair A, Attia M, Gibbs P, Grammatikopoulos T, Isaac J, Marshall A, Mirza D, Prachalias A, Watson S, Manas D, Forsythe J, Thorburn D. A coordinated national UK liver transplant program response, prioritising waitlist recipients with the highest need, provided excellent outcomes during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Clin Transplant 2021; 36:e14563. [PMID: 34913525 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.14563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Healthcare provision has been severely affected by COVID-19, with specific challenges in organ transplantation. Here, we describe the coordinated response to, and outcomes during the first wave, across all UK liver transplant (LT) centres. Several policy changes affecting the liver transplant processes were agreed upon. These included donor age restrictions and changes to offering. A 'high-urgency' (HU) category was established, prioritising only those with UKELD >60, HCC reaching transplant criteria, and others likely to die within 90 days. Outcomes were compared with the same period in 2018 & 2019. The retrieval rate for deceased donor livers (71% vs 54%; p<0.0001) and conversion from offer to completed transplant (63% vs 48%; p<0.0001) was significantly higher. Paediatric LT activity was maintained; there was a significant reduction in adult (42%) and total (36%) LT. Almost all adult LT were super-urgent (n = 15) or HU (n = 133). We successfully prioritised those with highest illness severity with no reduction in 90-day patient (p = 0.89) or graft survival (p = 0.98). There was a small (5% compared with 3%; p = 0.0015) increase in deaths or removals from the waitlist, mainly amongst HU cohort. We successfully prioritised LT recipients in highest need, maintaining excellent outcomes, and waitlist mortality was only marginally increased. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Masson
- Liver Transplant Unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust NE7 7DN, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Julie Whitney
- NHS Blood and Transplant, Stoke Gifford, Bristol, UK
| | - Anya Adair
- Edinburgh Transplant Centre, Royal Infirmary Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Magdy Attia
- Leeds Transplant Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Paul Gibbs
- Department of Surgery, Cambridge Universities Hospital Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Tassos Grammatikopoulos
- Paediatric Liver, Gastrointestinal & Nutrition Centre and Mowat Labs, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - John Isaac
- Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Aileen Marshall
- Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre and UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Darius Mirza
- Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK.,Liver Unit, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Sarah Watson
- Highly Specialised Services, NHS England and NHS Improvement, London, UK
| | - Derek Manas
- Liver Transplant Unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust NE7 7DN, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,NHS Blood and Transplant, Stoke Gifford, Bristol, UK
| | - John Forsythe
- NHS Blood and Transplant, Stoke Gifford, Bristol, UK
| | - Douglas Thorburn
- NHS Blood and Transplant, Stoke Gifford, Bristol, UK.,Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre and UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
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16
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Wallace D, Cowling TE, Suddle A, Gimson A, Rowe I, Callaghan C, Sapisochin G, Ivanics T, Claasen M, Mehta N, Heaton N, van der Meulen J, Walker K. National time trends in mortality and graft survival following liver transplantation from circulatory death or brainstem death donors. Br J Surg 2021; 109:79-88. [PMID: 34738095 PMCID: PMC10364702 DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znab347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite high waiting list mortality rates, concern still exists on the appropriateness of using livers donated after circulatory death (DCD). We compared mortality and graft loss in recipients of livers donated after circulatory or brainstem death (DBD) across two successive time periods. METHODS Observational multinational data from the United Kingdom and Ireland were partitioned into two time periods (2008-2011 and 2012-2016). Cox regression methods were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) comparing the impact of periods on post-transplant mortality and graft failure. RESULTS A total of 1176 DCD recipients and 3749 DBD recipients were included. Three-year patient mortality rates decreased markedly from 19.6 per cent in time period 1 to 10.4 per cent in time period 2 (adjusted HR 0.43, 95 per cent c.i. 0.30 to 0.62; P < 0.001) for DCD recipients but only decreased from 12.8 to 11.3 per cent (adjusted HR 0.96, 95 per cent c.i. 0.78 to 1.19; P = 0.732) in DBD recipients (P for interaction = 0.001). No time period-specific improvements in 3-year graft failure were observed for DCD (adjusted HR 0.80, 95% c.i. 0.61 to 1.05; P = 0.116) or DBD recipients (adjusted HR 0.95, 95% c.i. 0.79 to 1.14; P = 0.607). A slight increase in retransplantation rates occurred between time period 1 and 2 in those who received a DCD liver (from 7.3 to 11.8 per cent; P = 0.042), but there was no change in those receiving a DBD liver (from 4.9 to 4.5 per cent; P = 0.365). In time period 2, no difference in mortality rates between those receiving a DCD liver and those receiving a DBD liver was observed (adjusted HR 0.78, 95% c.i. 0.56 to 1.09; P = 0.142). CONCLUSION Mortality rates more than halved in recipients of a DCD liver over a decade and eventually compared similarly to mortality rates in recipients of a DBD liver. Regions with high waiting list mortality may mitigate this by use of DCD livers.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Wallace
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Thomas E Cowling
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Abid Suddle
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Alex Gimson
- The Liver Unit, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ian Rowe
- Liver Unit, St James' Hospital and University of Leeds, Leeds, UK/Leeds Institute for Data Analytics, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Chris Callaghan
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation, Renal Unit, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Gonzalo Sapisochin
- Multi-Organ Transplant, Toronto General Surgery, Toronto, Canada.,Department of General Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Tommy Ivanics
- Multi-Organ Transplant, Toronto General Surgery, Toronto, Canada.,Department of General Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Marco Claasen
- Multi-Organ Transplant, Toronto General Surgery, Toronto, Canada.,Department of General Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Neil Mehta
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Nigel Heaton
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jan van der Meulen
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Kate Walker
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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17
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Liver Transplantation for Biliary Atresia in Adulthood: Single-Centre Surgical Experience. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10214969. [PMID: 34768489 PMCID: PMC8584637 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10214969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Biliary atresia (BA) is the most common indicator for liver transplant (LT) in children, however, approximately 22% will reach adulthood with their native liver, and of these, half will require transplantation later in life. The aim of this study was to analyse the surgical challenges and outcomes of patients with BA undergoing LT in adulthood. Methods: Patients with BA requiring LT at the age of 16 or older in our unit between 1989 and 2020 were included. Pretransplant, perioperative variables and outcomes were analysed. Pretransplant imaging was reviewed to assess liver appearance, spontaneous visceral portosystemic shunting (SPSS), splenomegaly, splenic artery (SA) size, and aneurysms. Results: Thirty-four patients who underwent LT for BA fulfilled the inclusion criteria, at a median age of 24 years. The main indicators for LT were synthetic failure and recurrent cholangitis. In total, 57.6% had significant enlargement of the SA, 21% had multiple SA aneurysm, and SPSS was present in 72.7% of the patients. Graft and patient survival at 1, 5, and 10 years was 97.1%, 91.2%, 91.2% and 100%, 94%, 94%, respectively Conclusions: Good outcomes after LT for BA in young patients can be achieved with careful donor selection and surgery to minimise the risk of complications. Identification of anatomical variants and shunting are helpful in guiding attitude at the time of transplant.
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18
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Liver transplantation for alcohol-related liver disease in the UK: revised UK Liver Advisory Group recommendations for referral. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 6:947-955. [PMID: 34626562 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(21)00195-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Liver disease, of which liver cirrhosis is the most advanced stage, constitutes the fourth most common cause of life-years lost in men and women younger than 75 years in England, where mortality rates from liver disease have increased by 25% in the past decade. Alcohol consumption is the most common modifiable risk factor for disease progression in these individuals, but within the UK, there is substantial variation in the distribution, prevalence, and outcome of alcohol-related liver disease, and no equity of access to tertiary transplantation services. These revised recommendations were agreed by an expert panel convened by the UK Liver Advisory Group, with the purpose of providing consensus on referral for transplant assessment in patients with alcohol-related disease, and clarifying the terminology and definitions of alcohol use in liver injury. By standardising clinical management in these patients, it is hoped that there will be an improvement in the quality of care and better access to liver transplant assessment for patients with alcohol-related liver disease in the UK.
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19
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Berry P, Theocharidou E, Kotha S. Clinical utility of prognostic scores and models in decompensated liver disease. JOURNAL OF LIVER TRANSPLANTATION 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.liver.2021.100048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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20
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Selvan M, Collins H, Griffiths W, Gelson W, Herre J. Case Report: Indwelling Pleural Catheter Based Management of Refractory Hepatic Hydrothorax as a Bridge to Liver Transplantation. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:695977. [PMID: 34322505 PMCID: PMC8311019 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.695977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Liver transplantation is the treatment of choice for decompensated liver disease, and by extension for hepatic hydrothorax. Persistent pleural effusions make it challenging for patients to maintain physiological fitness for transplantation. Indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) provide controlled pleural fluid removal, including peri-operatively. The immune dysfunction of cirrhosis heightens susceptibility to bacterial infection and concerns exist regarding the sepsis potential from a tunnelled drain. Method: Six patients were identified who underwent IPC insertion for hepatic hydrothorax before successful liver transplantation, between November 2016 and November 2017. Results: All patients had recurrent transudative right sided pleural effusions. Mean age was 49 years (range 24–64) and mean United Kingdom Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score was 58. Four patients required correction of coagulopathy before insertion. There were no complications secondary to bleeding. Three patients were taught self-drainage at home of up to 1 litre (L) daily. A protocol was developed to ensure weekly review, pleural fluid culture and drainage of larger volumes in hospital. For every 2–3 L of pleural fluid drained, 100 mls of 20% Human Albumin Solution (HAS) was administered. On average an IPC was in situ for 58 days before surgery and drained 19 L of fluid in hospital. There was a small increase in average BMI (0.2) and serum albumin (2.1 g/L) at transplantation. There was one episode of stage one acute kidney injury secondary to high volume drainage. No further ascitic or pleural procedures were needed while an IPC was in situ. One thoracentesis was required after IPC removal. On average IPCs remained in situ for 7 days post transplantation and drained a further 2 L of fluid. Pleural fluid sampling was acquired on 92% of drainages in hospital. Of 44 fluid cultures, 2 cultured bacteria. Two patients had their IPCs and all other lines removed post transplantation due to suspected infection. Conclusion: Our case series describes a novel protocol and successful use of IPCs in the management of refractory hepatic hydrothorax as a bridge to liver transplantation. The protocol includes albumin replacement during pleural drainage, regular clinical review and culture of pleural fluid, with the option of self-drainage at home.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayurun Selvan
- Respiratory Medicine, Cambridge University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Collins
- Respiratory Medicine, Cambridge University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - William Griffiths
- Cambridge Liver Unit, Cambridge University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - William Gelson
- Cambridge Liver Unit, Cambridge University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jurgen Herre
- Respiratory Medicine, Cambridge University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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21
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Qin J, Zheng H, Li X, Xu Z, Wu W, Huang D, Wang N, Guo Y, Zhu Z, Liu Y, Yao Z, Wang J, Song R, Liu L, Nashan B. Successful, Combined Long-term Treatment of Cerebral Candidiasis and Aspergillosis in a Liver Transplant Recipient: A Case Report. Transplant Proc 2021; 53:2588-2593. [PMID: 34253380 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2021.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections, of which the most common are candidiasis and aspergillosis, are among the most important and fatal complications in solid organ transplantation. They continue to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) because of the poor CNS penetration of antifungal medications. Voriconazole yields fungicidal drug concentrations in the CNS, but its use is limited in solid organ transplant patients because of its metabolic interactions with immunosuppression. Here we report a case of invasive fungal infection in the CNS after an emergency liver transplantation due to hepatitis B virus-related acute liver failure. The patient was managed successfully with a long-term conservative medical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwei Qin
- Department of Organ Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hao Zheng
- Department of Organ Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xuefeng Li
- Department of Organ Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhijun Xu
- Department of Organ Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Organ Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Dehao Huang
- Department of Organ Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Organ Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yafei Guo
- Department of Organ Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zebin Zhu
- Department of Organ Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Organ Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ziqin Yao
- Organ Procurement Organization, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jizhou Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ruipeng Song
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Lianxin Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Björn Nashan
- Department of Organ Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China.
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22
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Jain V, Burford C, Alexander EC, Dhawan A, Joshi D, Davenport M, Heaton N, Hadzic N, Samyn M. Adult Liver Disease Prognostic Modelling for Long-term Outcomes in Biliary Atresia: An Observational Cohort Study. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2021; 73:93-98. [PMID: 33720092 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000003116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the utility of prognostic scoring systems for adolescents with biliary atresia (BA) surviving with native liver, for predicting the subsequent requirement for liver transplantation (LT). METHODS Single-centre retrospective analysis of 397 BA patients who received Kasai Portoenterostomy (KP) 1980-1996 and survived with the native liver at 16 years. Laboratory and clinical variables at 16 years (timepoint 16 years) were used to calculate (i) LT allocation scores; Model for End-Stage Liver Disease [MELD/MELD-sodium (Na)], and UK End-Stage Liver Disease (UKELD); (ii) Mayo Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis risk score (MayoPSC) and (iii) a modified Paediatric End-Stage Liver Disease (PELD) score. Scores were compared between patients requiring LT after 16 years of age (LT > 16 years), and those who survived with native liver, at the latest follow-up. Additional subgroup analysis for patients with data available at 12 years (timepoint 12 years). RESULTS MELD (area under the receiver operating characteristic [AUROC] 0.847) and UKELD (AUROC: 0.815) at 16 years of age predict the need for LT > 16 years. No advantage for MELD-Na over MELD was demonstrated. MELD >8.5 and UKELD >47 predicted LT > 16 years with 84% and 79% sensitivity and 73% and 73% specificity. PELD had a similar performance to MELD, but superiority to UKELD. MayoPSC revealed predictive accuracy for LT >16 years (AUROC 0.859), with a score of >0.87 predicting LT > 16 years with 85% sensitivity and 82% specificity. At timepoint 12 years, MELD and MayoPSC predicted LT >16 years. Change in MELD, PELD and MayoPSC between 12 and 16 years of age, was associated with LT >16 years. CONCLUSIONS Adult LT allocation scores may help monitor progress in adolescent BA, but the omission of relevant risk factors limits their utility for listing in this cohort. A BA-specific prognostic score would improve the management of adolescent BA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vandana Jain
- Paediatric Liver, GI and Nutrition Centre and Mowatlabs
| | | | | | - Anil Dhawan
- Paediatric Liver, GI and Nutrition Centre and Mowatlabs
| | | | | | - Nigel Heaton
- Liver Transplant Surgery, Institute of Liver Studies, Kings College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Nedim Hadzic
- Paediatric Liver, GI and Nutrition Centre and Mowatlabs
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23
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Kostakis ID, Iype S, Nasralla D, Davidson BR, Imber C, Sharma D, Pollok JM. Combining Donor and Recipient Age With Preoperative MELD and UKELD Scores for Predicting Survival After Liver Transplantation. EXP CLIN TRANSPLANT 2021; 19:570-579. [PMID: 34085606 DOI: 10.6002/ect.2020.0513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The end-stage liver disease scoring systems MELD, UKELD, and D-MELD (donor age × MELD) have had mediocre results for survival assessment after orthotopic liver transplant. Here, we introduced new indices based on preoperative MELD and UKELDscores and assessed their predictive ability on survival posttransplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS We included 1017 deceased donor orthotopic liver transplants that were performed between 2008 (the year UKELD was introduced) and 2019. Donor and recipient characteristics, liver disease scores, transplant characteristics, and outcomes were collected for analyses. D-MELD, D-UKELD (donor age × UKELD),DR-MELD[(donor age + recipient age) × MELD], and DR-UKELD [(donor age + recipient age) × UKELD] were calculated. RESULTS No score had predictive value for graft survival. For patient survival,DR-MELD and DR-UKELD provided the best results but with low accuracy. The highest accuracy was observed at 1 year posttransplant (areas under the curve of 0.598 [95% CI, 0.529-0.667] and 0.609 [95% CI, 0.549-0.67]forDR-MELDandDR-UKELD). Addition of donor and recipient age significantly improved the predictive abilities of MELD and UKELD for patient survival, but addition of donor age alone did not. For 1-year mortality (using receiver operating characteristic curves), optimal cut-off points were DR-MELD>2345 and DR-UKELD>5908. Recipients with DR-MELD >2345 (P < .001) and DR-UKELD >5908 (P = .002) had worse patient survival within the first year, but only DR-MELD >2345 remained significant after multivariable analysis (P = .007). CONCLUSIONS DR-MELD and DR-UKELD scores provided the best, albeit mediocre, predictive ability among the 6 tested models, especially at 1 year after posttransplant, although only for patient but not for graft survival. A DR-MELD >2345 was considered to be an additional independent risk factor for worse recipient survival within the first postoperative year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis D Kostakis
- From the Department of HPB Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Royal Free Hospital, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; and the Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK
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24
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Abstract
Acute liver failure is a rare syndrome and is primarily caused by paracetamol toxicity in developed nations. Survival for patients with acute liver failure has steadily improved over the last few decades from approximately 20% to greater than 60%. This marked improvement in survival has been due to a combination of improvements in medical practice and the use of emergency liver transplantation in selected patients. Early recognition and timely initial management in the non-specialist centre can significantly improve outcomes. Patients should be simultaneously discussed with a transplant centre and referred to critical care. Close liaison with transplant centres to ensure timely transfer in deteriorating patients is important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A Arshad
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK and Birmingham Liver Failure Research Group, Birmingham, UK
| | - Nicholas Murphy
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK, Birmingham Liver Failure Research Group, Birmingham, UK, and honorary reader, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Mansoor N Bangash
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK, Birmingham Liver Failure Research Group, Birmingham, UK, and honorary senior clinical lecturer, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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25
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Burke NT, Maurice JB, Nasralla D, Potts J, Westbrook R. Recent advances in liver transplantation. Frontline Gastroenterol 2021; 13:57-63. [PMID: 34970429 PMCID: PMC8666869 DOI: 10.1136/flgastro-2020-101425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver transplant is a life-saving treatment with 1-year and 5-year survival rates of 90% and 70%, respectively. However, organ demand continues to exceed supply, such that many patients will die waiting for an available organ. This article reviews for the general gastroenterologist the latest developments in the field to reduce waiting list mortality and maximise utilisation of available organs. The main areas covered include legislative changes in organ donation and the new 'opt-out' systems being rolled out in the UK, normothermic machine perfusion to optimise marginal grafts, a new national allocation system to maximise benefit from each organ and developments in patient 'prehabilitation' before listing. Current areas of research interest, such as immunosuppression withdrawal, are also summarised.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Thomas Burke
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, London, UK
| | - James B Maurice
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, London, UK
| | - David Nasralla
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, London, UK
| | - Jonathan Potts
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, London, UK
| | - Rachel Westbrook
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, London, UK
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26
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Lenci I, Milana M, Grassi G, Signorello A, Aglitti A, Baiocchi L. Natremia and liver transplantation: The right amount of salt for a good recipe. World J Hepatol 2020; 12:919-930. [PMID: 33312419 PMCID: PMC7701977 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v12.i11.919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
An adequate balance between electrolytes and clear water is of paramount importance to maintaining physiologic homeostasis. Natremia imbalance and, in particular, hyponatremia is the most frequent electrolyte abnormality observed in hospitalized subjects, involving approximately one-fourth of them. Pathological changes occurring during liver cirrhosis predispose patients to an increased risk of sodium imbalance, and hypervolemic hyponatremia has been reported in nearly 50% of subjects with severe liver disease and ascites. Splanchnic vasodilatation, portal-systemic collaterals’ opening and increased excretion of vasoactive modulators are all factors impairing clear water handling during liver cirrhosis. Of concern, sodium imbalance has been consistently reported to be associated with increased risk of complications and reduced survival in liver disease patients. In the last decades clinical interest in sodium levels has been also extended in the field of liver transplantation. Evidence that [Na+] in blood is an independent risk factor for in-list mortality led to the incorporation of sodium value in prognostic scores employed for transplant priority, such as model for end-stage liver disease-Na and UKELD. On the other hand, severe hyponatremic cirrhotic patients are frequently delisted by transplant centers due to the elevated risk of mortality after grafting. In this review, we describe in detail the relationship between sodium imbalance and liver cirrhosis, focusing on its impact on peritransplant phases. The possible therapeutic approaches, in order to improve transplant outcome, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Lenci
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hepatology Unit, Tor Vergata University, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Martina Milana
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hepatology Unit, Tor Vergata University, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Grassi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hepatology Unit, Tor Vergata University, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Alessandro Signorello
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hepatology Unit, Tor Vergata University, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Andrea Aglitti
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hepatology Unit, Tor Vergata University, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Leonardo Baiocchi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hepatology Unit, Tor Vergata University, Rome 00133, Italy
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27
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van Dijk ABRM, Sneiders D, Murad SD, Polak WG, Hartog H. Disadvantage of Small (<60 kg) Adult Candidates on the Liver Transplantation Waitlist. Prog Transplant 2020; 30:349-354. [PMID: 32912082 DOI: 10.1177/1526924820958142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Small adult patients with lower bodyweight wait-listed for liver transplantation may face a shortage of size-matched whole-liver grafts. The objective of this study is to compare time to transplantation in adult patients with a bodyweight of <60 kg to patients with bodyweight ≥60 kg. METHODS A matched case-control study was conducted. Patients aged 18 years and older listed for liver transplantation at our transplant center, from 2007 to 2016 with a bodyweight <60 kg were manually matched 1:2 to control patients ≥ 60 kg. Matching was performed based on ABO blood type, model for end-stage liver disease score, (non)-standard exception status, and eligibility for donation after cardiac death. Time to transplantation was assessed with univariable Cox-regression. RESULTS In total, 23 cases with a bodyweight < 60 kg were matched to 46 average-sized control patients. Small adults were significantly disadvantaged for receiving a liver transplantation as compared to their average-sized counterpart (hazard ratio 0.47; 95% confidence interval 0.29-0.75, P = .002). At the end of follow-up, 14/23 (60.9%) of cases versus 35/46 of controls (76.1%) had received a liver transplantation. CONCLUSION Small adults with a bodyweight below 60 kg are disadvantaged on the waitlist for a size-matched whole liver graft.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Baue R M van Dijk
- Division of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, 6993Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dimitri Sneiders
- Division of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, 6993Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sarwa Darwish Murad
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 6993Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Wojciech G Polak
- Division of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, 6993Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hermien Hartog
- Division of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, 6993Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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28
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Sweeney E, Richardson P. Overt hepatic encephalopathy: management and prevention of recurrence. BRITISH JOURNAL OF NURSING (MARK ALLEN PUBLISHING) 2020; 29:S14-S17. [PMID: 32976024 DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2020.29.sup17.s14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Most patients with overt hepatic encephalopathy are managed in an acute hospital setting. The mainstays of treatment are non-absorbable disaccharides, To prevent a recurrence, and thus further hospital admission, the focus is on identifying and avoiding precipitants, optimising nutrition and prescribing medication including rifaximin-α*†.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Sweeney
- Gastroenterology Specialist Registrar, Royal Liverpool University Hospital
| | - Paul Richardson
- Consultant Hepatologist, Royal Liverpool University Hospital
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29
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Wallace D, Cowling TE, Walker K, Suddle A, Rowe I, Callaghan C, Gimson A, Bernal W, Heaton N, van der Meulen J. Short- and long-term mortality after liver transplantation in patients with and without hepatocellular carcinoma in the UK. Br J Surg 2020; 107:896-905. [DOI: 10.1002/bjs.11451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The increasing demand for liver transplantation has led to considerable changes in characteristics of donors and recipients. This study evaluated the short- and long-term mortality of recipients with and without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the UK between 1997 and 2016.
Methods
First-time elective adult liver transplant recipients in the UK were identified and four successive eras of transplantation were compared. Hazard ratios (HRs) comparing the impact of era on short-term (first 90 days) and longer-term (from 90 days to 5 years) mortality were estimated, with adjustment for recipient and donor characteristics.
Results
Some 1879 recipients with and 7661 without HCC were included. There was an increase in use of organs donated after circulatory death (DCD), from 0 per cent in era 1 to 35·2 per cent in era 4 for recipients with HCC, and from 0·2 to 24·1 per cent for non-HCC recipients. The 3-year mortality rate decreased from 28·3 per cent in era 1 to 16·9 per cent in era 4 (adjusted HR 0·47, 95 per cent c.i. 0·35 to 0·63) for recipients with HCC, and from 20·4 to 9·3 per cent (adjusted HR 0·44, 0·36 to 0·53) for those without HCC. Comparing era 4 with era 1, improvements were more marked in short-term than in long-term mortality, both for recipients with HCC (0–90 days: adjusted HR 0·20, 0·10 to 0·39; 90 days to 5 years: adjusted HR 0·52, 0·35 to 0·75; P = 0·043) and for non-HCC recipients (0–90 days: adjusted HR 0·32, 0·24 to 0·42; 90 days to 5 years: adjusted HR 0·52, 0·40 to 0·67; P = 0·024).
Conclusion
In the past 20 years, the mortality rate after liver transplantation has more than halved, despite increasing use of DCD donors. Improvements in overall survival can be explained by decreases in short-term and longer-term mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Wallace
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - T E Cowling
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - K Walker
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - A Suddle
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - I Rowe
- Liver Unit, St James's Hospital and University of Leeds, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Leeds, UK
- Leeds Institute for Data Analytics, University of Leeds, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - C Callaghan
- Department of Transplantation, Renal Unit, Guy's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - A Gimson
- Liver Unit, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - W Bernal
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - N Heaton
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - J van der Meulen
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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30
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Mangla N, Bokarvadia R, Jain M, Varghese J, Venkataraman J. Scoring Systems that Predict Mortality at Admission in End-stage Liver Disease. Indian J Crit Care Med 2019; 23:445-448. [PMID: 31749551 PMCID: PMC6842835 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10071-23261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Various scoring systems have been developed to assess the severity and survival in end-stage liver disease. Aim of the study Prospective study to compare and analyze the efficacy of scoring systems in predicting mortality in ESLD patients who present with cirrhosis specific complications to the emergency room. Materials and methods This prospective, single point study was conducted over a two year period from September 2014 to August 2016 among 162 ESLD patients seeking admission to the emergency unit of Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai. Baseline investigations incorporated hemogram, liver biochemical parameters, coagulation parameters (PT/INR), serum creatinine, serum electrolytes and blood gas analysis, to calculate the CTP score, MELD, MELD-Na, MESO, iMELD, Updated MELD, UKELD, SOFA and APACHE II. Comparison of MELD snd non MELD scores were done between survivors and nonsurvivors. The mortality rate for the same admission was calculated. Results Of the 162 patients requiring emergency admision, 148 were men (91.4%). The median age of patients was 56 years (range 25–75 years). The cause for liver cirrhosis was alcohol followed by nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and hepatitis B. The indications for emergency admissions were fever, tense ascites, reduced urine output and altered sensorium. Thirty patients (18.5%) expired during the same admission. The predictive accuracy of all scores for predicting mortality by ROC curves was between 0.7 and 0.8 (p < 0.05). Conclusion Although, all scores appear to be equally good, simple scores like CTP and MELD is all that is required to ascertain the prognosis of patients seeking emergency admission. How to cite this article Mangla N, Bokarvadia R, Jain M, Varghese J, Venkataraman J. Scoring Systems that Predict Mortality at Admission in End-stage Liver Disease. Indian J Crit Care Med 2019;23(10):445–448.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neeraj Mangla
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Hepatology, Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ravi Bokarvadia
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Hepatology, Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mayank Jain
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Hepatology, Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Mayank Jain, Department of Emergency Medicine and Hepatology, Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, e-mail:
| | - Joy Varghese
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Hepatology, Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jayanthi Venkataraman
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Hepatology, Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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31
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Chapman MH, Thorburn D, Hirschfield GM, Webster GGJ, Rushbrook SM, Alexander G, Collier J, Dyson JK, Jones DE, Patanwala I, Thain C, Walmsley M, Pereira SP. British Society of Gastroenterology and UK-PSC guidelines for the diagnosis and management of primary sclerosing cholangitis. Gut 2019; 68:1356-1378. [PMID: 31154395 PMCID: PMC6691863 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2018-317993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
These guidelines on the management of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) were commissioned by the British Society of Gastroenterology liver section. The guideline writing committee included medical representatives from hepatology and gastroenterology groups as well as patient representatives from PSC Support. The guidelines aim to support general physicians, gastroenterologists and surgeons in managing adults with PSC or those presenting with similar cholangiopathies which may mimic PSC, such as IgG4 sclerosing cholangitis. It also acts as a reference for patients with PSC to help them understand their own management. Quality of evidence is presented using the AGREE II format. Guidance is meant to be used as a reference rather than for rigid protocol-based care as we understand that management of patients often requires individual patient-centred considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Huw Chapman
- GI Division, UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Liver Unit, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Gideon M Hirschfield
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Simon M Rushbrook
- Department of Hepatology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Trust, Norwich, UK
| | | | | | - Jessica K Dyson
- Hepatology, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - David Ej Jones
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Imran Patanwala
- Gastroenterology, Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust, Liverpool, UK
- University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | | | - Stephen P Pereira
- GI Division, UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Institute for Liver & Digestive Health, University College London, London, UK
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Sakuraoka Y, da Silva Boteon APC, Brown R, Perera MTPR. Severe atherosclerosis of donor hepatic arteries is a salvageable condition in liver transplantation to optimise the graft utilisation: A case series and review of the literature. Int J Surg Case Rep 2019; 59:190-196. [PMID: 31176087 PMCID: PMC6556552 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2019.05.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
We showed how to manage sever atherosclerosis in liver transplant with special technique. This case report will help not to discard donated liver graft. Management of sever artherosclerosis, liver transplantation.
Introduction The presence of atherosclerosis of the common hepatic artery (CHA) in donor livers potentially contributes to vascular complications after liver transplantation, thereby most of those organs are traditionally discarded. Herein, we describe the successful outcome of three patients transplanted with grafts that had severe atherosclerosis of the donor CHA up to the level of the gastroduodenal artery (GDA). Presentation of case In all three cases, endarterectomies were performed by dissection between the atheromatous core and the artery intima using a dissecting spatula, allowing to secure the lumen of the vessel. The native CHA/GDA patch was aligned with the corresponding CHA/GDA patch from the graft for the arterial reconstruction. No vascular complications were seen post-operatively. Discussion Endarterectomy and anatomical reconstitution of the arterial tree, without any redundancy or kinking, allowed for the successful transplantation of organs that would be otherwise discarded. Further, the straight alignment of the arteries may enhance flow dynamics, preventing thrombosis. Conclusion This report might guide future studies targeting means to increase the utility of donor livers discarded due to arterial atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhki Sakuraoka
- Second Department of Surgery, Dokkyo Medical University, Japan; The Liver Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, United Kingdom.
| | | | - Rachel Brown
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - M Thamara P R Perera
- The Liver Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Taylor R, Allen E, Richards JA, Goh MA, Neuberger J, Collett D, Pettigrew GJ. Survival advantage for patients accepting the offer of a circulatory death liver transplant. J Hepatol 2019; 70:855-865. [PMID: 30639505 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2018.12.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Donation after circulatory death (DCD) in the UK has tripled in the last decade. However, outcomes following DCD liver transplantation are worse than for donation after brainstem death (DBD) liver transplants. This study examines whether a recipient should accept a "poorer quality" DCD organ or wait longer for a "better" DBD organ. METHODS Data were collected on 5,825 patients who were registered on the elective waiting list for a first adult liver-only transplant and 3,949 patients who received a liver-only transplant in the UK between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2015. Survival following deceased donor liver transplantation performed between 2008 and 2015 was compared by Cox regression modelling to assess the impact on patient survival of accepting a DCD liver compared to deferring for a potential DBD transplant. RESULTS A total of 953 (23%) of the 3,949 liver transplantations performed utilised DCD donors. Five-year post-transplant survival was worse following DCD than DBD transplantation (69.1% [DCD] vs. 78.3% [DBD]; p <0.0001: adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.65; 95% CI 1.40-1.94). Of the 5,798 patients registered on the transplant list, 1,325 (23%) died or were removed from the list without receiving a transplant. Patients who received DCD livers had a lower risk-adjusted hazard of death than those who remained on the waiting list for a potential DBD organ (adjusted HR 0.55; 95% CI 0.47-0.65). The greatest survival benefit was in those with the most advanced liver disease (adjusted HR 0.19; 95% CI 0.07-0.50). CONCLUSIONS Although DCD liver transplantation leads to worse transplant outcomes than DBD transplantation, the individual's survival is enhanced by accepting a DCD offer, particularly for patients with more severe liver disease. DCD liver transplantation improves overall survival for UK listed patients and should be encouraged. LAY SUMMARY This study looks at patients who require a liver transplant to save their lives; this liver can be donated by a person who has died either after their heart has stopped (donation after cardiac death [DCD]) or after the brain has been injured and can no longer support life (donation after brainstem death [DBD]). We know that livers donated after brainstem death function better than those after cardiac death, but there are not enough of these livers for everyone, so we wished to help patients decide whether it was better for them to accept an early offer of a DCD liver than waiting longer to receive a "better" liver from a DBD donor. We found that patients were more likely to survive if they accepted the offer of a liver transplant as soon as possible (DCD or DBD), especially if their liver disease was very severe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhiannon Taylor
- Statistics and Clinical Studies, NHS Blood and Transplant, Fox Den Road, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8RR, United Kingdom
| | - Elisa Allen
- Statistics and Clinical Studies, NHS Blood and Transplant, Fox Den Road, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8RR, United Kingdom
| | - James A Richards
- University Department of Surgery, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hill Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Mingzheng A Goh
- University Department of Surgery, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hill Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| | - James Neuberger
- University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Mindelsohn Way, Birmingham B15 2TH, United Kingdom
| | - David Collett
- Statistics and Clinical Studies, NHS Blood and Transplant, Fox Den Road, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8RR, United Kingdom
| | - Gavin J Pettigrew
- University Department of Surgery, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hill Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom.
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Impact of Donor Hepatectomy Time During Organ Procurement in Donation After Circulatory Death Liver Transplantation: The United Kingdom Experience. Transplantation 2019; 103:e79-e88. [DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000002518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Impact of Regional Organ Sharing and Allocation in the UK Northern Liver Alliance on Waiting Time to Liver Transplantation and Waitlist Survival. Transplantation 2019; 103:2304-2311. [PMID: 30830042 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000002687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the United Kingdom, liver transplantation (LT) is undertaken in 7 supraregional centers. Until March 2018, liver grafts were offered to a center and allocated to a patient on their elective waiting list (WL) based on unit prioritization. Patients in Newcastle, Leeds, and Edinburgh with a United Kingdom Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (UKELD) score ≥62 were registered on a common WL and prioritized for deceased-donor liver allocation. This was known as the Northern Liver Alliance (NLA) "top-band scheme." Organs were shared between the 3 centers, with a "payback" scheme ensuring no patient in any center was disadvantaged. We investigated whether the NLA had improved WL survival and waiting time (WT) to transplantation. METHODS Data for this study were obtained from the UK Transplant Registry maintained by National Health Service Blood and Transplant. This study was based on adult patients registered for first elective liver transplant between April 2013 and December 2016. Non-NLA centers were controls. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate WL survival and median WT to transplant, with the log-rank test used to make comparisons; a Bonferroni correction was applied post hoc to determine pairwise differences. RESULTS WT was significantly lower at NLA centers compared with non-NLA centers for top-band patients (23 versus 99 days, P < 0.001). However, WL survival was not significantly different for top-band patients (P > 0.999) comparing NLA with non-NLA centers. WL survival for nontop-band patients was no different (P > 0.999) comparing NLA with non-NLA centers. CONCLUSIONS The NLA achieved its aim, providing earlier transplantation to patients with the greatest need. Nontop-band patients did not experience inferior survival.
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O'Carroll R. Editorial: quality of life and mortality in cirrhosis and ascites. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2019; 49:617-618. [PMID: 30746769 DOI: 10.1111/apt.15122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
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Putignano A, Figorilli F, Alabsawy E, Agarwal B, Jalan R. Long-term outcome in patients with acute liver failure. Liver Int 2018; 38:2228-2238. [PMID: 29927051 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Acute liver failure patients who meet poor prognostic criteria have high early mortality without emergency liver transplantation. A recent study however, reported that patients that survive spontaneously have a poorer outcome compared with patients undergoing transplantation. In this single centre study, we aimed to confirm or refute this observation. METHODS Early survivors (acute liver failure patients who survived 90 days after the ICU admission) were assessed for long-term outcomes in four distinctive cohorts, incorporating aetiology (Acetaminophen overdose or non-Acetaminophen overdose), and management strategy (conservative or liver transplantation). Chi Squared or Fisher test were used to compare outcomes among the four cohorts (P < 0.05) and Kaplan-Meier curve (Log Rank test) to represent cumulative survival. RESULTS Two hundred consecutive acute liver failure patients between 1990 and 2014 were included; mean age 38.3, ±12.8, male 70, 35%. 124/200 (62%) early survivors were identified; 13/124 (10.5%) acetaminophen patients underwent transplantation and 48/124 (38.7%) survived spontaneously; 36/124 (29.0%) non-acetaminophen underwent transplantation and 27/124 (21.8%) survived spontaneously. A total of 11/124 (8.9%) died subsequently (median survival 5.3± IQR 9.1), three spontaneous survivors and eight transplanted patients (P = 0.025); of the eight transplanted patients, six died of transplant related complications and two of suicide. CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that although liver transplantation is a life-saving procedure for acute liver failure patients, they have a worse long-term outcome compared with spontaneous survivors. Novel therapies to increase the percentage of spontaneous survivors are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Putignano
- Liver Failure Group, UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, UCL Medical School, London, UK.,Intensive Care Unit, Royal Free Hospital, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Francesco Figorilli
- Liver Failure Group, UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, UCL Medical School, London, UK
| | - Eman Alabsawy
- Liver Failure Group, UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, UCL Medical School, London, UK
| | - Banwari Agarwal
- Intensive Care Unit, Royal Free Hospital, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Rajiv Jalan
- Liver Failure Group, UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, UCL Medical School, London, UK
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38
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Sirrs S, Hannah-Shmouni F, Nantel S, Neuberger J, Yoshida EM. Transplantation as disease modifying therapy in adults with inherited metabolic disorders. J Inherit Metab Dis 2018; 41:885-896. [PMID: 29392586 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-018-0141-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Transplantation is an established disease modifying therapy in selected children with certain inherited metabolic diseases (IMDs). Transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells or solid organs can be used to partially correct the underlying metabolic defect, address life threatening disease manifestations (such as neutropenia) or correct organ failure caused by the disease process. Much less information is available on the use of transplantation in adults with IMDs. Transplantation is indicated for the same IMDs in adults as in children. Despite similar disease specific indications, the actual spectrum of diseases for which transplantation is used differs between these age groups and this is partly related to the natural history of disease. There are diseases (such as urea cycle defects and X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy) for which transplantation is recommended for selected symptomatic patients as a treatment strategy in both adults and children. In those diseases, the frequency with which transplantation is used in adults is lower than in children and this may be related in part to a reduced awareness of transplantation as a treatment strategy amongst adult clinicians as well as limited donor availability and allocation policies which may disadvantage adult patients with IMDs. Risks of transplantation and disease-specific prognostic factors influencing outcomes also differ with age. We review the use of transplantation as a disease modifying strategy in adults focusing on how this differs from use in children to highlight areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Sirrs
- Divisions of Endocrinology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- , Vancouver, Canada.
| | - Fady Hannah-Shmouni
- Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen Nantel
- Divisions of Hematology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Leukemia and Bone Marrow Transplant Program, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Eric M Yoshida
- Divisions of Gastroenterology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Hirschfield GM, Dyson JK, Alexander GJM, Chapman MH, Collier J, Hübscher S, Patanwala I, Pereira SP, Thain C, Thorburn D, Tiniakos D, Walmsley M, Webster G, Jones DEJ. The British Society of Gastroenterology/UK-PBC primary biliary cholangitis treatment and management guidelines. Gut 2018; 67:1568-1594. [PMID: 29593060 PMCID: PMC6109281 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2017-315259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (formerly known as primary biliary cirrhosis, PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease in which a cycle of immune mediated biliary epithelial cell injury, cholestasis and progressive fibrosis can culminate over time in an end-stage biliary cirrhosis. Both genetic and environmental influences are presumed relevant to disease initiation. PBC is most prevalent in women and those over the age of 50, but a spectrum of disease is recognised in adult patients globally; male sex, younger age at onset (<45) and advanced disease at presentation are baseline predictors of poorer outcome. As the disease is increasingly diagnosed through the combination of cholestatic serum liver tests and the presence of antimitochondrial antibodies, most presenting patients are not cirrhotic and the term cholangitis is more accurate. Disease course is frequently accompanied by symptoms that can be burdensome for patients, and management of patients with PBC must address, in a life-long manner, both disease progression and symptom burden. Licensed therapies include ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and obeticholic acid (OCA), alongside experimental new and re-purposed agents. Disease management focuses on initiation of UDCA for all patients and risk stratification based on baseline and on-treatment factors, including in particular the response to treatment. Those intolerant of treatment with UDCA or those with high-risk disease as evidenced by UDCA treatment failure (frequently reflected in trial and clinical practice as an alkaline phosphatase >1.67 × upper limit of normal and/or elevated bilirubin) should be considered for second-line therapy, of which OCA is the only currently licensed National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommended agent. Follow-up of patients is life-long and must address treatment of the disease and management of associated symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon M Hirschfield
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, Birmingham, UK
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
- Centre for Liver Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jessica K Dyson
- Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle, United Kingdom
| | - Graeme J M Alexander
- Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Michael H Chapman
- Department of Gastroenterology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jane Collier
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, Oxford University Hospitals, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Stefan Hübscher
- Centre for Liver Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Department of Cellular Pathology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Imran Patanwala
- Department of Gastroenterology, Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust, Liverpool, UK
- University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Stephen P Pereira
- Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Gastroenterology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Douglas Thorburn
- Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Dina Tiniakos
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - George Webster
- Department of Gastroenterology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - David E J Jones
- Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle, United Kingdom
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40
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Singh SK, Sen Sarma M, Yadav R, Kumar S, Prasad R, Yachha SK, Srivastava A, Poddar U. Prognostic scoring systems and outcome of endovascular radiological intervention of chronic Budd-Chiari syndrome in children. Liver Int 2018; 38:1308-1315. [PMID: 29297972 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Prognostic scoring systems (PSS) have not been validated in children with chronic Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS). We aimed to analyse the long-term outcome of radiological intervention (RI) and validate the PSS in children. METHODS Chronic BCS children were analysed in four subgroups: (i) SI: successful intervention (primary or secondary stent patency) (ii) PO: poor outcome (refractory stent block or requirement of liver transplantation), (iii) NU: naïve unintervened (awaiting RI) and (iv) DBI: died before intervention. PSS analysed included Paediatric end-stage liver disease (PELD), Rotterdam, BCS-Transjuglar intrahepatic Portosystemic shunt (BCS-TIPS) index, Zeitoun, Child-Pugh and Model for end-stage liver disease. RESULTS Of 113 BCS children, 48 children underwent 53 successful primary RI. Actuarial probability of vascular patency was 87% at 1 year and 82% at 5 years follow-up. Four groups (SI: n = 40, PO: n = 7, NU: n = 13, DBI: n = 6) were analysed. Univariate analysis showed pre-intervention PELD score [PO: 11 (-1-23) vs SI: 2 (-8-25), P = .009] with a cut-off of 4 (AUC: 0.809, 86% sensitivity, 75% specificity) determined PO following intervention. In unintervened group (NU vs DBI), multivariate analysis demonstrated that Zeitoun score predicted death independently (OR 15.4, 95% CI: 1.17-203.56, P = .04) with a cut-off of 4.3 (AUC: 0.923, 83% sensitivity and 77% specificity). CONCLUSIONS Children with BCS have a favourable long-term outcome. Among those undergoing RI, pre-intervention PELD score determines the outcome. Survival is determined by Zeitoun score in those unintervened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit K Singh
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Moinak Sen Sarma
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Rajanikant Yadav
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Sheo Kumar
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Raghunandan Prasad
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Surender K Yachha
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Anshu Srivastava
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Ujjal Poddar
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
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Dyson JK, Beuers U, Jones DEJ, Lohse AW, Hudson M. Primary sclerosing cholangitis. Lancet 2018; 391:2547-2559. [PMID: 29452711 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(18)30300-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 232] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2016] [Revised: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a rare, chronic cholestatic liver disease characterised by intrahepatic or extrahepatic stricturing, or both, with bile duct fibrosis. Inflammation and fibrosis of bile ducts and the liver are followed by impaired bile formation or flow and progressive liver dysfunction. Patients might be asymptomatic at presentation or might have pruritus, fatigue, right upper quadrant pain, recurrent cholangitis, or sequelae of portal hypertension. The key diagnostic elements are cholestatic liver biochemistry and bile duct stricturing on cholangiography. Genetic and environmental factors are important in the cause of the disease, with the intestinal microbiome increasingly thought to play a pathogenetic role. Approximately 70% of patients have concurrent inflammatory bowel disease and patients require colonoscopic screening and surveillance. Primary sclerosing cholangitis is associated with increased malignancy risk and surveillance strategies for early cholangiocarcinoma detection are limited. No single drug has been proven to improve transplant-free survival. Liver transplantation is effective for advanced disease but at least 25% of patients develop recurrent disease in the graft.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica K Dyson
- Department of Hepatology, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK.
| | - Ulrich Beuers
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - David E J Jones
- Department of Hepatology, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Ansgar W Lohse
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mark Hudson
- Department of Hepatology, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
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Cheung AC, Gulamhusein AF, Juran BD, Schlicht EM, McCauley BM, de Andrade M, Atkinson EJ, Lazaridis KN. External validation of the United Kingdom-primary biliary cholangitis risk scores of patients with primary biliary cholangitis treated with ursodeoxycholic acid. Hepatol Commun 2018; 2:676-682. [PMID: 29881819 PMCID: PMC5983113 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The United Kingdom-Primary Biliary Cholangitis (UK-PBC) risk scores are a set of prognostic models that estimate the risk of end-stage liver disease in patients with PBC at 5-, 10- and 15-year intervals. They have not been externally validated outside the United Kingdom. In this retrospective, external validation study, data were abstracted from outpatient charts and discrimination and calibration of the UK-PBC risk scores were assessed. A total of 464 patients with PBC treated with ursodeoxycholic acid were included. The median diagnosis age was 52.4 years, and 88% were female patients. The cumulative incidence of events was 6%, 9%, and 15% at 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively. Concordance (c-statistic) was 0.88, 0.85, and 0.84 using the 5-, 10- and 15-year risk scores, respectively, which was slightly lower than values observed in the United Kingdom validation cohort. Using the 5-year risk score, more events were observed than predicted (25 versus 16.8; P = 0.046); using the 10-year risk score, there was no difference between the observed and predicted number of events (35 versus 44.9; P = 0.14); conversely, using the 15-year risk score, fewer events were observed than predicted (46 versus 67.5; P = 0.009). Limiting evaluation by the 15-year UK-PBC risk score to those with >10 years of follow-up demonstrated no difference between observed and predicted events. Using the 5-year risk score, patients within the highest quartile had statistically significant worse event-free survival compared to the rest of the cohort: 82% versus 98% at 5 years, 73% versus 97% at 10 years, and 58% versus 93% at 15 years. Conclusion: In patients assessed at a North American tertiary medical center, the UK-PBC risk score had excellent discrimination and was reasonably calibrated both in the short and long term. (Hepatology Communications 2018;2:676-682).
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela C. Cheung
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyMayo ClinicRochesterMN
| | - Aliya F. Gulamhusein
- Division of Gastroenterology, Toronto Center for Liver DiseaseUniversity Health NetworkTorontoONTCanada
| | - Brian D. Juran
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyMayo ClinicRochesterMN
| | - Erik M. Schlicht
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyMayo ClinicRochesterMN
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Englschalk C, Eser D, Jox RJ, Gerbes A, Frey L, Dubay DA, Angele M, Stangl M, Meiser B, Werner J, Guba M. Benefit in liver transplantation: a survey among medical staff, patients, medical students and non-medical university staff and students. BMC Med Ethics 2018; 19:7. [PMID: 29433496 PMCID: PMC5810023 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-018-0248-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The allocation of any scarce health care resource, especially a lifesaving resource, can create profound ethical and legal challenges. Liver transplant allocation currently is based upon urgency, a sickest-first approach, and does not utilize capacity to benefit. While urgency can be described reasonably well with the MELD system, benefit encompasses multiple dimensions of patients’ well-being. Currently, the balance between both principles is ill-defined. Methods This survey with 502 participants examines how urgency and benefit are weighted by different stakeholders (medical staff, patients on the liver transplant list or already transplanted, medical students and non-medical university staff and students). Results Liver transplant patients favored the sickest-first allocation, although all other groups tended to favor benefit. Criteria of a successful transplantation were a minimum survival of at least 1 year and recovery of functional status to being ambulatory and capable of all self-care (ECOG 2). An individual delisting decision was accepted when the 1-year survival probability would fall below 50%. Benefit was found to be a critical variable that may also trigger the willingness to donate organs. Conclusions The strong interest of stakeholder for successful liver transplants is inadequately translated into current allocation rules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Englschalk
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Transplant Surgery, Klinikum der Universität München, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, München, Germany
| | - Daniela Eser
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Klinikum der Universität München, Nußbaumstraße 7, 80336, München, Germany
| | - Ralf J Jox
- Institute of Ethics, History and Theory of Medicine, LMU Munich, Lessingstr. 2, 80336, München, Germany
| | - Alexander Gerbes
- Department of Medicine II, Klinikum der Universität München, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, München, Germany
| | - Lorenz Frey
- Department of Anesthesiology, Klinikum der Universität München, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, München, Germany
| | - Derek A Dubay
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Martin Angele
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Transplant Surgery, Klinikum der Universität München, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, München, Germany
| | - Manfred Stangl
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Transplant Surgery, Klinikum der Universität München, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, München, Germany
| | - Bruno Meiser
- Transplant Center Munich, Klinikum der Universität München, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, München, Germany
| | - Jens Werner
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Transplant Surgery, Klinikum der Universität München, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, München, Germany
| | - Markus Guba
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Transplant Surgery, Klinikum der Universität München, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, München, Germany. .,Transplant Center Munich, Klinikum der Universität München, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, München, Germany.
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Webb GJ, Rana A, Hodson J, Akhtar MZ, Ferguson JW, Neuberger JM, Vierling JM, Hirschfield GM. Twenty-Year Comparative Analysis of Patients With Autoimmune Liver Diseases on Transplant Waitlists. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 16:278-287.e7. [PMID: 28993258 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2017.09.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The rarity of autoimmune liver disease poses challenges to epidemiology studies. However, waitlists for liver transplantation can be used to study patients with end-stage liver diseases. We used these waitlists to assess trends in numbers and demographics of patients awaiting liver transplant for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), or autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). METHODS We collected data from UK and US national registries for all adults on liver transplant waitlists, from January 1, 1995, through December 31, 2014. We analyzed data from patients with PBC (n = 1434 in the United Kingdom and n = 5598 in the United States), PSC (n = 1093 in the United Kingdom and n = 6820 in the United States), and AIH (n = 538 in the United Kingdom and n = 4949 in the United States). Numbers of listings per year were adjusted to the estimated populations during each year. Regression analyses were used to examine trends and comparative statistics were used to evaluate differences in individual characteristics among groups. RESULTS Over the total study period, listings for PBC were 1.2 and 1.0 per million population per year in the United Kingdom and United States, respectively; for PSC, 0.9 and 1.2 per million population per year; and for AIH, 0.5 and 0.8 per million population per year. Over the period studied, numbers of listings for PBC decreased by 50% in both countries; changes in numbers of listings for PSC and AIH were smaller and not consistent between countries. By 2014, PSC had become the leading indication for liver transplantation among patients with autoimmune liver diseases in both countries. Median patient ages at time of listing were lower than those reported as median age of diagnosis for AIH and PBC. The ratio of women:men with PBC decreased by almost 50% from 1995 through 2014. Men with PSC were placed on the waitlist with higher disease severity scores than women in both countries. Among patients with PBC, those of black race were under-represented on waitlists from both countries. Among patients with PSC, Hispanics were under-represented on waitlists in the United States. Patients of non-white races were placed on waitlists at younger ages for all diseases; age differences in waitlist placement varied by up to 10 years, depending on race, among patients with PBC. CONCLUSIONS In an analysis of data collected from UK and US national liver transplant registries over 20 years, we found that PSC has become the leading indication for liver transplantation among patients with autoimmune liver diseases. Numbers of patients with PBC placed on waitlists, and the ratio of women:men with PBC, each decreased by almost 50%, possibly due to increased treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid. Within groups of patients on the transplant waitlist for PBC, PSC, or AIH, we found differences in age, sex, disease severity scores, and ethnicity between diseases and countries that require further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwilym James Webb
- Centre for Liver Research and National Institute for Health Research Birmingham Biomedical Research Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Liver Medicine, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Abbas Rana
- Abdominal Transplantation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - James Hodson
- Statistics, Institute of Translation Medicine, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | - Gideon Morris Hirschfield
- Centre for Liver Research and National Institute for Health Research Birmingham Biomedical Research Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Liver Medicine, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
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Deceased Organ Donors With a History of Increased Risk Behavior for the Transmission of Blood-Borne Viral Infection: The UK Experience. Transplantation 2017; 101:1679-1689. [PMID: 28291157 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000001727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deceased organ donors are routinely screened for behaviors that increase the risk of transmissible blood-borne viral (BBV) infection, but the impact of this information on organ donation and transplant outcome is not well documented. Our aim was to establish the impact of such behavior on organ donation and utilization, as well transplant recipient outcomes. METHODS We identified all UK deceased organ donors from 2003 to 2015 with a disclosed history of increased risk behavior (IRB) including intravenous drug use (IVDU), imprisonment and increased risk sexual behavior. RESULTS Of 17 262 potential donors, 659 (3.8%) had IRB for BBV and 285 (1.7%) were seropositive for BBV, of whom half had a history of IRB (mostly IVDU [78.5%]). Of actual donors with IRB, 393 were seronegative for viral markers at time of donation. A history of recent IVDU was associated with fewer potential donors proceeding to become actual organ donors (64% vs 75%, P = 0.007). Donors with IRB provided 1091 organs for transplantation (624 kidneys and 467 other organs). Transplant outcome was similar in recipients of organs from donors with and without IRB. There were 3 cases of unexpected hepatitis C virus transmission, all from an active IVDU donor who was hepatitis C virus seronegative at time of donation, but was found to be viremic on retrospective testing. CONCLUSIONS Donors with a history of IRB provide a valuable source of organs for transplantation with good transplant outcomes and there is scope for increasing the use of organs from such donors.
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Al-Freah MAB, Moran C, Foxton MR, Agarwal K, Wendon JA, Heaton ND, Heneghan MA. Impact of comorbidity on waiting list and post-transplant outcomes in patients undergoing liver retransplantation. World J Hepatol 2017; 9:884-895. [PMID: 28804571 PMCID: PMC5534363 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v9.i20.884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To determine the impact of Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) on waiting list (WL) and post liver retransplantation (LRT) survival.
METHODS Comparative study of all adult patients assessed for primary liver transplant (PLT) (n = 1090) and patients assessed for LRT (n = 150), 2000-2007 at our centre. Demographic, clinical and laboratory variables were recorded.
RESULTS Median age for all patients was 53 years and 66% were men. Median model for end stage liver disease (MELD) score was 15. Median follow-up was 7-years. For retransplant patients, 84 (56%) had ≥ 1 comorbidity. The most common comorbidity was renal impairment in 66 (44.3%). WL mortality was higher in patients with ≥ 1 comorbidity (76% vs 53%, P = 0.044). CCI (OR = 2.688, 95%CI: 1.222-5.912, P = 0.014) was independently associated with WL mortality. Patients with MELD score ≥ 18 had inferior WL survival (Log-Rank 6.469, P = 0.011). On multivariate analysis, CCI (OR = 2.823, 95%CI: 1.563-5101, P = 0.001), MELD score ≥ 18 (OR 2.506, 95%CI: 1.044-6.018, P = 0.04), and requirement for organ support prior to LRT (P < 0.05) were associated with reduced post-LRT survival. Donor/graft parameters were not associated with survival (P = NS). Post-LRT mortality progressively increased according to the number of transplanted grafts (Log-Rank 18.455, P < 0.001). Post-LRT patient survival at 1-, 3- and 5-years were significantly inferior to those of PLT at 88% vs 73%, P < 0.001, 81% vs 71%, P = 0.018 and 69% vs 55%, P = 0.006, respectively.
CONCLUSION Comorbidity increases WL and post-LRT mortality. Patients with MELD ≥ 18 have increased WL mortality. Patients with comorbidity or MELD ≥ 18 may benefit from earlier LRT. LRT for ≥ 3 grafts may not represent appropriate use of donated grafts.
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Sinha R, Lockman KA, Mallawaarachchi N, Robertson M, Plevris JN, Hayes PC. Carvedilol use is associated with improved survival in patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites. J Hepatol 2017; 67:40-46. [PMID: 28213164 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2017.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Revised: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Carvedilol, a non-selective beta-blocker (NSBB) with additional anti-alpha 1 receptor activity, is a potent portal hypotensive agent and has been used as prophylaxis against variceal bleeding. However, its safety in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis and ascites is still disputed. In this study, we examined whether long-term use of carvedilol in patients with ascites is a risk factor for mortality. METHODS A single-centre retrospective analysis of 325 consecutive patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites presenting to our Liver Unit between 1st of January 2009 to 31st August 2012 was carried out. The primary outcome was all-cause and liver-specific mortality in patients receiving or not receiving carvedilol as prophylaxis against variceal bleeding. RESULTS The final cohort after propensity score matching comprised 264 patients. Baseline ascites severity and UK end-stage liver disease (UKELD) score between carvedilol (n=132) and non-carvedilol (n=132) treated patient groups were comparable. Median follow-up time was 2.3years. Survival at the end of the follow-up was 24% and 2% for the carvedilol and the non-carvedilol groups respectively (log-rank p<0.0001). The long-term survival was significantly better in carvedilol than non-carvedilol group (log-rank p<0.001). The survival difference remained significant after adjusting for age, gender, ascites severity, aetiology of cirrhosis, previous variceal bleed, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis prophylaxis, serum albumin and UKELD with hazard ratio of 0.59 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.44, 0.80; p=0.001), suggesting a 41% reduction in mortality risk. When stratified by the severity of ascites, carvedilol therapy resulted in hazard ratio of 0.47 (95% CI: 0.29, 0.77; p=0.003) in those with mild ascites. Even with moderate or severe ascites, carvedilol use was not associated with increased mortality risk. CONCLUSION Long-term carvedilol therapy is not harmful in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and ascites. LAY SUMMARY The safety of carvedilol and other non-selective beta-blocker drugs in patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites is still debated. In this study, we have shown that carvedilol therapy in these patients was associated with reduced risk of mortality, particularly in those with mild ascites. We concluded that low dose, chronic treatment with carvedilol in patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites is not detrimental.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Sinha
- Liver Unit, The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Hepatology Laboratory, The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
| | - Khalida A Lockman
- Hepatology Laboratory, The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Nethmee Mallawaarachchi
- Hepatology Laboratory, The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Marcus Robertson
- Liver Unit, The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - John N Plevris
- Liver Unit, The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Hepatology Laboratory, The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Peter C Hayes
- Liver Unit, The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Hepatology Laboratory, The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Machicao VI. Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium Score: The Evolution in the Prioritization of Liver Transplantation. Clin Liver Dis 2017; 21:275-287. [PMID: 28364813 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2016.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The adoption of the model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) score as surrogate marker of liver disease severity has been the greatest change in liver allocation. Since its implementation, waiting time has lost significance. The MELD score calculation was later modified to reflect the contribution of hyponatremia in the estimation of mortality risk. However, the MELD score does not capture accurately the risk of mortality of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore the arbitrary assignment of MELD points has been used for HCC patients. The current allocation system still prioritizes transplantation in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Ilich Machicao
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6400 Fannin Street, MSB 4.234, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Al-Freah MAB, McPhail MJW, Dionigi E, Foxton MR, Auzinger G, Rela M, Wendon JA, O'Grady JG, Heneghan MA, Heaton ND, Bernal W. Improving the Diagnostic Criteria for Primary Liver Graft Nonfunction in Adults Utilizing Standard and Transportable Laboratory Parameters: An Outcome-Based Analysis. Am J Transplant 2017; 17:1255-1266. [PMID: 28199762 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.14230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Revised: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 02/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Current diagnostic criteria for primary nonfunction (PNF) of liver grafts are based on clinical experience rather than statistical methods. A retrospective, single-center study was conducted of all adults (n = 1286) who underwent primary liver transplant (LT) 2000-2008 in our center. Laboratory variables during the first post LT week were analyzed. Forty-two patients (3.7%) had 2-week graft failure. Transplant albumin, day-1 aspartate aminotransferase (AST), day-1 lactate, day-3 bilirubin, day-3 international normalized ratio (INR), and day-7 AST were independently associated with PNF on multivariate logistic regression. PNF score =(0.000280*D1AST)+ (0.361*D1 Lactate)+(0.00884*D3 Bilirubin)+(0.940*D3 INR)+(0.00153*D7 AST)-(0.0972*TxAlbumin)-4.5503. Receiver operating curve analysis showed the model area under receiver operating curve (AUROC) of 0.912 (0.889-0.932) was superior to the current United Kingdom (UK) PNF criteria of 0.669 (0.634-0.704, p < 0.0001). When applied to a validation cohort (n = 386, 34.4% patients), the model had AUROC of 0.831 (0.789-0.867) compared to the UK early graft dysfunction criteria of 0.674 (0.624-0.721). The new model performed well after exclusion of patients with marginal grafts and when modified to include variables from the first three post-LT days only (AUROC of 0.818, 0.776-0.856, p = 0.001). This model is superior to the current UK PNF criteria and is based on statistical methods. The model is also applicable to recipients of all types of grafts (marginal and nonmarginal).
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Affiliation(s)
- M A B Al-Freah
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - M J W McPhail
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - E Dionigi
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - M R Foxton
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - G Auzinger
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - M Rela
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - J A Wendon
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - J G O'Grady
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - M A Heneghan
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - N D Heaton
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - W Bernal
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, UK
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50
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Wendon, J, Cordoba J, Dhawan A, Larsen FS, Manns M, Samuel D, Simpson KJ, Yaron I, Bernardi M. EASL Clinical Practical Guidelines on the management of acute (fulminant) liver failure. J Hepatol 2017; 66:1047-1081. [PMID: 28417882 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 489] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The term acute liver failure (ALF) is frequently applied as a generic expression to describe patients presenting with or developing an acute episode of liver dysfunction. In the context of hepatological practice, however, ALF refers to a highly specific and rare syndrome, characterised by an acute abnormality of liver blood tests in an individual without underlying chronic liver disease. The disease process is associated with development of a coagulopathy of liver aetiology, and clinically apparent altered level of consciousness due to hepatic encephalopathy. Several important measures are immediately necessary when the patient presents for medical attention. These, as well as additional clinical procedures will be the subject of these clinical practice guidelines.
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