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Tapper EB, Trivedi H, Simonetto DA, Patwardhan V, Ospina E, Martinez B, Chen X, Walker S, Nikirk S. The RELAX randomized controlled trial: Stretching versus meditation for nocturnal muscle cramps. Liver Int 2024. [PMID: 38860445 DOI: 10.1111/liv.16007] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Muscle cramps are common among persons with cirrhosis and are associated with poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Treatment options are limited. We compared stretching or meditation in a randomized-controlled trial (RCT). PATIENTS We enrolled 98 patients with a history of >4 muscle cramps in the prior month from 7/22-7/23. We randomized patients 1:1 to stretching versus meditation for 35 days. Our primary outcome was the change in cramp severity measured by the visual analogue scale for cramps (VAS-cramps, scaled 0-10). Secondary outcomes included a patient global impression of change (PGIC), change in sleep quality and global HRQOL measured using the EQ-5D and VAS-global HRQOL. RESULTS Overall, 48% of patients had cirrhosis, 40% had diabetes, 16% the median age was 63, most were women (67%) and 81% were college educated. Both arms experienced a reduction in cramp severity-a median of 1.44 (.58-2.29) points for stretching and 1.97 (1.01-2.93) points for meditation. These changes were significant changes from baseline (p = .001 for stretching, p < .0001 for meditation) but these changes were equivalent between arms (p = .4). The PGIC was improved: 1.33 (1.02-1.65) for stretching, 1.05 (.70-1.41) for meditation, p-difference .2. Sleep was also improved for both. HRQOL did not change according to the Eq5D; according to the VAS, HRQOL rose for meditation by 6 (.1-11.8) points but not for stretching. More patients recommended stretching than meditation (79.2% vs. 55.3%, p = .02). CONCLUSION In a randomized trial, stretching and meditation both reduced cramp severity and improved sleep quality and global impression of change. While patients preferred stretching, there was no difference in effect between arms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot B Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Hirsh Trivedi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Cedars Sinai, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Douglas A Simonetto
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Vilas Patwardhan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Erin Ospina
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Beanna Martinez
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Xi Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Susan Walker
- Holistic Integrated Massage and Meditation, Poland, Ohio, USA
| | - Samantha Nikirk
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Busebee B, Watt KD, Dupuy-McCauley K, DuBrock H. Sleep disturbances in chronic liver disease. Liver Transpl 2024:01445473-990000000-00350. [PMID: 38535627 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000369] [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: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Sleep disturbances are common in chronic liver disease and significantly impact patient outcomes and quality of life. The severity and nature of sleep disturbances vary by liver disease etiology and severity. While there is ongoing research into the association between liver disease and sleep-wake dysfunction, the underlying pathophysiology varies and, in many cases, is poorly understood. Liver disease is associated with alterations in thermoregulation, inflammation, and physical activity, and is associated with disease-specific complications, such as HE, that may directly affect sleep. In this article, we review the relevant pathophysiologic processes, disease-specific sleep-wake disturbances, and clinical management of CLD-associated sleep-wake disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley Busebee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Kymberly D Watt
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Kara Dupuy-McCauley
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Hilary DuBrock
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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Tapper EB, Serper M, Goldberg D. Implementing pragmatic clinical trials in hepatology. Hepatology 2024; 79:704-712. [PMID: 36825597 PMCID: PMC10460456 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Patients with chronic liver disease would benefit from pragmatic trial designs. A pragmatic trial seeks to inform clinical decision-making by providing evidence for the adoption of an intervention into real-world clinical practice. A trial's pragmatism is based on the efficiency by which it identifies, recruits, and follows patients, the degree to which the interventions and design mirror the usual clinical care, and the importance of the outcomes to the patients. We review the promise, trade-offs, and purpose of pragmatic trials in hepatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot B. Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan
| | - Marina Serper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
| | - David Goldberg
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
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Ruiz-Margáin A. The role of nutrition in improving functional status in cirrhosis. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2024; 23:e0223. [PMID: 38860124 PMCID: PMC11164008 DOI: 10.1097/cld.0000000000000223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
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Gonzalez JJ, Tapper EB. Muscle cramps in cirrhosis. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2024; 23:e0116. [PMID: 38283307 PMCID: PMC10810579 DOI: 10.1097/cld.0000000000000116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Juan J. Gonzalez
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Elliot B. Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Patel AA, Tapper EB, Kanwal F, Woodrell CD, Hansen L, Lai JC, Rogal S, McDermott C, Rakoski M, Ufere NN. Targets and study design for symptom-focused trials aimed at patients with cirrhosis: An expert consensus. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0135. [PMID: 37267219 PMCID: PMC10241502 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Symptom-focused trials are critically needed for patients with cirrhosis. However, this work would benefit from standard processes and validated measures. METHODS A writing group was formed among hepatologists, nurses, palliative care providers, pharmacists, and clinical trial experts focused on symptom management in patients with cirrhosis to define the key (1) components of trial design, (2) symptom targets, (3) measurement, and (4) outcomes for each target. From July 2022 to January 2023, panelists participated in an iterative process of developing and arriving at a consensus for each component. The goal was to provide consensus definitions that can be operationalized in future clinical trials, including for patients with cirrhosis. RESULTS The panel reached a consensus on key reporting features for clinical trials, along with considerations for study design. Nine key symptom targets (muscle cramps, pruritus, pain, fatigue, sexual dysfunction, sleep disorders, depression and anxiety, nausea/vomiting, and dyspnea/breathlessness) were identified. The panel selected instruments that can be considered for clinical trials based on psychometric validation and previous experience. The panel identified ongoing needs, including instrument validation, safety data, evidence about non-pharmacologic interventions, and comparative effectiveness studies. CONCLUSION This expert panel identified key design, reporting, and measurement elements to standardize processes and measures in future symptom-focused clinical trials in the context of cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpan A. Patel
- Tamar and Vatche Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Elliot B. Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Fasiha Kanwal
- Baylor College of Medicine and Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Christopher D. Woodrell
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Lissi Hansen
- Oregon Health & Science University, School of Nursing, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Jennifer C. Lai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Shari Rogal
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Cara McDermott
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, New Carolina, USA
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, New Carolina, USA
| | - Mina Rakoski
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Nneka N. Ufere
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachussetts, USA
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Abstract
Importance Cirrhosis affects approximately 2.2 million adults in the US. From 2010 to 2021, the annual age-adjusted mortality of cirrhosis increased from 14.9 per 100 000 to 21.9 per 100 000 people. Observations The most common causes of cirrhosis in the US, which can overlap, include alcohol use disorder (approximately 45% of all cases of cirrhosis), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (26%), and hepatitis C (41%). Patients with cirrhosis experience symptoms including muscle cramps (approximately 64% prevalence), pruritus (39%), poor-quality sleep (63%), and sexual dysfunction (53%). Cirrhosis can be diagnosed by liver biopsy but may also be diagnosed noninvasively. Elastography, a noninvasive assessment of liver stiffness measured in kilopascals, can typically confirm cirrhosis at levels of 15 kPa or greater. Approximately 40% of people with cirrhosis are diagnosed when they present with complications such as hepatic encephalopathy or ascites. The median survival time following onset of hepatic encephalopathy and ascites is 0.92 and 1.1 years, respectively. Among people with ascites, the annual incidence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is 11% and of hepatorenal syndrome is 8%; the latter is associated with a median survival of less than 2 weeks. Approximately 1% to 4% of patients with cirrhosis develop hepatocellular carcinoma each year, which is associated with a 5-year survival of approximately 20%. In a 3-year randomized clinical trial of 201 patients with portal hypertension, nonselective β-blockers (carvedilol or propranolol) reduced the risk of decompensation or death compared with placebo (16% vs 27%). Compared with sequential initiation, combination aldosterone antagonist and loop diuretics were more likely to resolve ascites (76% vs 56%) with lower rates of hyperkalemia (4% vs 18%). In meta-analyses of randomized trials, lactulose was associated with reduced mortality relative to placebo (8.5% vs 14%) in randomized trials involving 705 patients and reduced risk of recurrent overt hepatic encephalopathy (25.5% vs 46.8%) in randomized trials involving 1415 patients. In a randomized clinical trial of 300 patients, terlipressin improved the rate of reversal of hepatorenal syndrome from 39% to 18%. Trials addressing symptoms of cirrhosis have demonstrated efficacy for hydroxyzine in improving sleep dysfunction, pickle brine and taurine for reducing muscle cramps, and tadalafil for improving sexual dysfunction in men. Conclusions and Relevance Approximately 2.2 million US adults have cirrhosis. Many symptoms, such as muscle cramps, poor-quality sleep, pruritus, and sexual dysfunction, are common and treatable. First-line therapies include carvedilol or propranolol to prevent variceal bleeding, lactulose for hepatic encephalopathy, combination aldosterone antagonists and loop diuretics for ascites, and terlipressin for hepatorenal syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot B Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Neehar D Parikh
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
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The American Journal of Gastroenterology: Reflections on 2022 and the Road Ahead. Am J Gastroenterol 2023; 118:183-184. [PMID: 36735552 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Come Dine With Us With the "Food as Medicine" Special Issue. Am J Gastroenterol 2022; 117:821. [PMID: 35505511 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000001816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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