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Flamm SL. Key Insights and Clinical Pearls in the Identification and Management of Cirrhosis and Its Complications. Am J Med 2024:S0002-9343(24)00326-7. [PMID: 38788826 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2024.05.015] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Cirrhosis is a prevalent, chronic condition with an asymptomatic compensated phase, in which patients may feel well, and a decompensated phase that begins with onset of complications (eg, hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, and/or variceal bleeding). Because patients with cirrhosis may appear healthy with normal liver enzymes, alkaline phosphatase, and serum bilirubin levels, awareness of clinical signals is important. For example, patients with thrombocytopenia should be evaluated for chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Early recognition and management of cirrhosis-related complications (eg, hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, and/or variceal bleeding) is important, given their association with hospitalization and poor prognosis (eg, increased odds of short-term mortality). Hepatic encephalopathy can be the most subtle cirrhosis-related complication, and associated cognitive impairment may be misdiagnosed. Because hepatic encephalopathy can be associated with hospital readmissions, reducing readmission rates after hepatic encephalopathy-related hospitalizations is critical. This includes incorporating ongoing therapy (eg, rifaximin plus lactulose) in postdischarge management plans to reduce the risk of hepatic encephalopathy recurrence. Strategies that mitigate cirrhosis progression and prevent development of cirrhosis-related complications are key to improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven L Flamm
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rush University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois.
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2
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Lin E, Gandhi D, Volk M. Preventing Readmissions of Hepatic Encephalopathy: Strategies in the Acute Inpatient, Immediate Postdischarge, and Longitudinal Outpatient Setting. Clin Liver Dis 2024; 28:359-367. [PMID: 38548445 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2024.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a strong predictor of early hospital readmission in patients with cirrhosis. Early hospital readmission increases health care costs and is associated with worse survival. Herein we provide an overview of strategies to prevent hospital readmissions in patients with HE, divided into 3 contexts: (a) acute inpatient, (b) immediate postdischarge, and (c) longitudinal outpatient setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Devika Gandhi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA.
| | - Michael Volk
- Department of Medicine, Baylor Scott and White, Central Texas Region, Temple, TX, USA
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3
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Hagström H, Shang Y, Tapper EB, Wester A, Widman L. Secondary Prevention of Esophageal Variceal Bleeding Is Often Imperfect: A National, Population-Based Cohort Study of 3592 Patients. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 21:3336-3345.e2. [PMID: 37192714 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Secondary prevention of esophageal variceal bleeding is important to improve prognosis, but uptake of guidelines is unknown in a real-world setting. Here, we determined the proportion of patients receiving appropriate nonselective beta-blocker treatment and repeat upper endoscopy after a first episode of esophageal variceal bleeding within a reasonable time frame. METHODS Population-based registers were used to identify all patients with a first episode of esophageal variceal bleeding in Sweden from 2006 to 2020. Crosslinkage between registers was performed to receive information on the cumulative incidence of patients with a dispensation of nonselective beta-blockers and repeat upper endoscopy within 120 days from baseline. Overall mortality was investigated using Cox regression. RESULTS In total, 3592 patients were identified, with a median age of 63 (interquartile range, 54-71) years. The cumulative incidence of a dispensation of nonselective beta-blockers and a repeat endoscopy within 120 days was 33%. A total of 77% received either of these treatments. Overall mortality was high, with 65% of patients dying after esophageal variceal bleeding during the full follow-up period (median 1.7 years). We observed an improved overall mortality during the later years of the study period (adjusted hazard ratio for the 2016-2020 period compared with the 2006-2010 period, 0.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.71-0.89). Patients with receipt of nonselective beta-blockers and repeat upper endoscopy had better overall survival compared with those without (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.72-0.90). CONCLUSIONS Secondary prevention of esophageal variceal bleeding has not been widely undertaken, with many patients not receiving guideline-supported interventions within a reasonable time frame. This highlights a need to raise awareness on appropriate prevention strategies to clinicians and patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Hagström
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Upper GI Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Ying Shang
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elliot B Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Axel Wester
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Linnea Widman
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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4
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Ge J, Fontil V, Ackerman S, Pletcher MJ, Lai JC. Clinical decision support and electronic interventions to improve care quality in chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis. Hepatology 2023:01515467-990000000-00546. [PMID: 37611253 PMCID: PMC10998693 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Significant quality gaps exist in the management of chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis. Clinical decision support systems-information-driven tools based in and launched from the electronic health record-are attractive and potentially scalable prospective interventions that could help standardize clinical care in hepatology. Yet, clinical decision support systems have had a mixed record in clinical medicine due to issues with interoperability and compatibility with clinical workflows. In this review, we discuss the conceptual origins of clinical decision support systems, existing applications in liver diseases, issues and challenges with implementation, and emerging strategies to improve their integration in hepatology care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Ge
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California – San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Valy Fontil
- Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Family Health Centers at NYU-Langone Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Sara Ackerman
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of California – San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Mark J. Pletcher
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California – San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jennifer C. Lai
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California – San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Hyde AM, Johnson E, Luig T, Schroeder D, Carbonneau M, Campbell-Scherer D, Tandon P. Implementing a cirrhosis order set in a tertiary healthcare system: a theory-informed formative evaluation. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:636. [PMID: 37316822 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09632-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Standardized order sets are a means of increasing adherence to clinical practice guidelines and improving the quality of patient care. Implementation of novel quality improvement initiatives like order sets can be challenging. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, we conducted a formative evaluation to understand healthcare providers' perspectives on implementing clinical changes and the individual, collective and organizational contextual factors that might impact implementation at eight hospital sites in Alberta, Canada. METHODS We utilized concepts from the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) to understand the context, past implementation experiences, and perceptions of the cirrhosis order set. Eight focus groups were held with healthcare professionals caring for patients with cirrhosis. Data were coded deductively using relevant constructs of NPT and CFIR. A total of 54 healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers and pharmacists and a physiotherapist, participated in the focus groups. RESULTS Key findings revealed that participants recognized the value of the cirrhosis order set and its potential to improve the quality of care. Participants highlighted potential implementation challenges, including multiple competing quality improvement initiatives, feelings of burnout, lack of communication between healthcare provider groups, and a lack of dedicated resources to support implementation. CONCLUSIONS Implementing a complex improvement initiative across clinician groups and acute care sites presents challenges. This work yielded insights into the significant influence of past implementation of similar interventions and highlighted the importance of communication between clinician groups and resources to support implementation. However, by using multiple theoretical lenses to illuminate what and how contextual and social processes will influence uptake, we can better anticipate challenges during the implementation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Hyde
- Division of Gastroenterology (Liver Unit), Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, 8540 112 St NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2P8, Canada
| | - E Johnson
- Division of Gastroenterology (Liver Unit), Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, 8540 112 St NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2P8, Canada
| | - T Luig
- Physician Learning Program, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - D Schroeder
- Physician Learning Program, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | | | - D Campbell-Scherer
- Physician Learning Program, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
- Office of Lifelong Learning and Physician Learning Program, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy (ECHA), 2-590, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada.
| | - P Tandon
- Division of Gastroenterology (Liver Unit), Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, 8540 112 St NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2P8, Canada.
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Shaw J, Acharya C, Albhaisi S, Fagan A, McGeorge S, White MB, Lachar J, Olson J, Olofson A, Bergstrom L, Kamath PS, Bajaj JS. Subjective and objective burden on providers from a multicenter app-based study of patients with cirrhosis and caregivers. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0030. [PMID: 36706194 PMCID: PMC9988316 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000030] [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: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND App-based technologies could enhance patient and caregiver communication and provide alerts that potentially reducing readmissions. However, the burden of App alerts needs to be optimized to reduce provider burnout. AIM The purpose of this study was to determine subjective and objective burden of using the Patient Buddy App, a health information technology (HIT) on providers in a randomized multicenter trial, who completed a semi-quantitative Likert scale survey regarding training procedures, data and privacy concerns, follow-up details, and technical support. This randomized multicenter trial recruits cirrhosis inpatients and their caregivers, and randomizes them into standard-of-care, HIT (communication only via App) and HIT+visits (App+phone calls/visits) for 30 days after discharge. The alerts are monitored by providers through a central iPad. The reason(s) and number of alerts were recorded as the objective burden. A total of 1442 messages were sent as alerts from the 103 dyads (patient + caregiver) (n=206) randomized to HIT arms. The most common messages related to Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE) (high or low bowel movement=50% or orientation tests=37%). Twelve providers completed the surveys reflecting the following themes-92% and 100%, felt adequately trained and confident about educating the patients and caregivers before roll out of App and had no concerns related to data and privacy; 70%, felt that appropriate time was spent on pursuing reason for data not being logged; 60% each, had issues with availability of adequate technical support and connectivity. CONCLUSION The Patient Buddy App randomized multicenter trial till date shows an overall favorable rating regarding training procedures/education, privacy concerns, and ease of message follow-up, from providers. However, it is important to gauge and address subjective and objective burdens of monitoring human resources in current and future HIT studies to avoid burnout and to ensure successful study completion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jawaid Shaw
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Chathur Acharya
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Somaya Albhaisi
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Andrew Fagan
- GI Section, Central Virginia Veterans Healthcare System, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Sara McGeorge
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Melanie B. White
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Jatinder Lachar
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Jessica Olson
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Amy Olofson
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Lori Bergstrom
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Patrick S. Kamath
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jasmohan S. Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- GI Section, Central Virginia Veterans Healthcare System, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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Yen T, Jones B, Espinoza JM, Singh S, Pell J, Duloy A, Wani S, Scott FI, Patel SG. Optimizing Endoscopy Procedure Documentation Improves Guideline-Adherent Care in Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding. Dig Dis Sci 2023; 68:2264-2275. [PMID: 36645637 PMCID: PMC9841959 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-023-07823-6] [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] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Upper GI bleeding (UGIB) is a common indication for inpatient esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Guideline adherence improves post-EGD care, including appropriate medication dosing/duration and follow-up procedures that reduce UGIB-related morbidity. We aimed to optimize and standardize post-EGD documentation to improve process and clinical outcomes in UGIB-related care. METHODS We performed a prospective quality improvement study of inpatient UGIB endoscopies at an academic tertiary referral center during 6/2019-7/2021. Guidelines were used to develop etiology/severity-specific electronic health record note templates. Participants (39 faculty/15 trainees) completed 10-min training in template content/use. We collected pre/post-intervention process data on "Minimal Standard Report" (MSR) documentation including patient disposition, diet, and medications. We also recorded documentation of re-bleed precautions and follow-up procedures. Study outcomes included guideline-based medication prescriptions, ordering of follow-up EGD, and post-discharge re-bleeding. Pre/post-intervention analysis was performed using chi-square tests. RESULTS From a pre-intervention baseline of 199 patients to 459 patients post-intervention, compliance improved with inpatient PPI (53.4-77.9%, p < 0.001) and discharge PPI (31.3-61.0%, p < 0.001) prescriptions. There was improvement in MSR completion (28.6-42.5%, p < 0.001). Compliance improved with octreotide prescriptions (75.0-93.6%, p = 0.002) and follow-up EGD order (61.3-87.1%, p < 0.001). There was no change in post-discharge re-bleeding. 82.6% of cases used templates. CONCLUSIONS Our project leveraged endoscopy software to standardize documentation, resulting in improved clinical care behavior and efficiency. Our intervention required low burden of maintenance, and sustainability with high utilization over 9 months. Similar endoscopy templates can be applied to other health systems and procedures to improve care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Yen
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDivision of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, 12631 E 17Th Avenue, B158, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Blake Jones
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDivision of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, 12631 E 17Th Avenue, B158, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Jeannine M. Espinoza
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDivision of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, 12631 E 17Th Avenue, B158, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Sarguni Singh
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDivision of Hospital Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Jonathan Pell
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDivision of Hospital Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Anna Duloy
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDivision of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, 12631 E 17Th Avenue, B158, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Sachin Wani
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDivision of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, 12631 E 17Th Avenue, B158, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Frank I. Scott
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDivision of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, 12631 E 17Th Avenue, B158, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Swati G. Patel
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDivision of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, 12631 E 17Th Avenue, B158, Aurora, CO 80045 USA ,grid.422100.50000 0000 9751 469XRocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Aurora, CO USA
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Use of a Cirrhosis Admission Order Set Improves Adherence to Quality Metrics and May Decrease Hospital Length of Stay. Am J Gastroenterol 2023; 118:114-120. [PMID: 35971218 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000001930] [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: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Quality metrics for inpatient cirrhosis management have been created to improve processes of care. We aimed to improve adherence to quality metrics by creating a novel clinical decision support (CDS) tool in the electronic health record (EHR). METHODS We developed and piloted an alert system in the EHR that directs providers to a cirrhosis order set for patients who have a known diagnosis of cirrhosis or are likely to have cirrhosis. Adherence to process measures and outcomes when the CDS was used were compared with baseline performance before the implementation of the CDS. RESULTS The use of the order set resulted in a significant increase in adherence to process measures such as diagnostic paracentesis (29.6%-51.1%), low-sodium diet (34.3%-77.8%), and social work involvement (36.6%-88.9%) ( P < 0.001 for all). There were also significant decreases in both intensive care and hospital lengths of stay ( P < 0.001) as well as in-hospital development of infection ( P = 0.002). There was no difference in hospital readmissions at 30 or 90 days between the groups ( P = 0.897, P = 0.640). DISCUSSION The use of CDS in EHR-based interventions improves adherence to quality metrics for patients with cirrhosis and could easily be shared by institutions through EHR platforms. Further studies and larger sample sizes are needed to better understand its impact on additional outcome measures.
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Rosenstengle C, Kripalani S, Rahimi RS. Hepatic encephalopathy and strategies to prevent readmission from inadequate transitions of care. J Hosp Med 2022; 17 Suppl 1:S17-S23. [PMID: 35972038 DOI: 10.1002/jhm.12896] [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: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
One of the most costly and frequent causes of hospital readmissions in the United States is hepatic encephalopathy in patients with underlying liver cirrhosis. In this narrative review, we cover current practices in inpatient management, transitions of care, and strategies to prevent hospital readmissions. Bundled approaches using a model such as the "Ideal Transitions of Care" appear to be more likely to prevent readmissions and assist patients as they transition to outpatient care. Numerous strategies have been evaluated to prevent readmissions in patients with hepatic encephalopathy, including technologic interventions, involvement of nonphysician team members, early follow-up strategies, and involvement of palliative care when appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Rosenstengle
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Sunil Kripalani
- Section of Hospital Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Public Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Robert S Rahimi
- Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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Shaw J, Beyers L, Bajaj JS. Inadequate practices for hepatic encephalopathy management in the inpatient setting. J Hosp Med 2022; 17 Suppl 1:S8-S16. [PMID: 35972037 PMCID: PMC9542542 DOI: 10.1002/jhm.12897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is an important complication of decompensated liver disease. Hospital admission for episodes of HE are very common, with these patients being managed by the hospitalists. These admissions are costly and burdensome to the health-care system. Diagnosis of HE at times is not straightforward, particularly in patients who are altered and unable to provide any history. Precipitants leading to episodes of HE, should be actively sought and effectively tackled along with the overall management. This mandates timely diagnostics, appropriate initiation of pharmacological treatment, and supportive care. Infections are the most important precipitants leading to HE and should be aggressively managed. Lactulose is the front-line medication for primary treatment of HE episodes and for prevention of subsequent recurrence. However, careful titration in the hospital setting along with the appropriate route of administration should be established and supervised by the hospitalist. Rifaximin has established its role as an add-on medication, in those cases where lactulose alone is not working. Overall effective management of HE calls for attention to guideline-directed nutritional requirements, functional assessment, medication reconciliation, patient education/counseling, and proper discharge planning. This will potentially help to reduce readmissions, which are all too common for HE patients. Early specialty consultation may be warranted in certain conditions. Numerous challenges exist to optimal care of hospitalized OHE patients. However, hospitalists if equipped with knowledge about a systematic approach to taking care of these frail patients are in an ideal position to ensure good inpatient and transition of care outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jawaid Shaw
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hospital MedicineVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVirginiaUSA
| | - Lisa Beyers
- Department of Internal Medicine, Strong Memorial HospitalUniversity of RochesterRochesterNew YorkUSA
| | - Jasmohan S. Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and NutritionVirginia Commonwealth University and Central Virginia Veterans Healthcare SystemRichmondVirginiaUSA
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Amin AN, Nguyen PH, Tapper EB. Missed diagnosis of cirrhosis in the inpatient setting. J Hosp Med 2022; 17 Suppl 1:S1-S7. [PMID: 35972039 PMCID: PMC9387549 DOI: 10.1002/jhm.12918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Cirrhosis accounts for a large number of deaths in the United States and worldwide, leading to an increasing burden on the healthcare system. Cirrhosis is, however, a progressive disease with different potential complications related to liver dysfunction and portal hypertension. Often, patients may present with complications of cirrhosis without having been diagnosed previously. It is pertinent that clinicians recognize these signs to place patients on an appropriate course of management to help delay or avoid further disease progression while avoiding deleterious outcomes and unnecessary utilization. We will discuss the epidemiology of liver disease, cirrhosis, and its complications (hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, and varices). In this study, we will discuss the rationale and impact of missing these diagnoses on the healthcare system and patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alpesh N. Amin
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine
| | | | - Elliot B. Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan
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Changing Epidemiology of Cirrhosis and Hepatic Encephalopathy. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 20:S1-S8. [PMID: 35940729 PMCID: PMC9531320 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2022.04.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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