Nationwide trends and predictors of inpatient mortality in 83884 transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

Hepatic encephalopathy post-TIPS: Current status and prospects in predictive assessment

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is an essential procedure for the treatment of portal hypertension but can result in hepatic encephalopathy (HE), a serious complication that worsens patient outcomes. Investigating predictors of HE after TIPS is essential to improve prognosis. This review analyzes risk factors and compares predictive models, weighing traditional scores such as Child-Pugh, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD), and albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) against emerging artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. While traditional scores provide initial insights into HE risk, they have limitations in dealing with clinical complexity. Advances in machine learning (ML), particularly when integrated with imaging and clinical data, offer refined assessments. These innovations suggest the potential for AI to significantly improve the prediction of post-TIPS HE. The study provides clinicians with a comprehensive overview of current prediction methods, while advocating for the integration of AI to increase the accuracy of post-TIPS HE assessments. By harnessing the power of AI, clinicians can better manage the risks associated with TIPS and tailor interventions to individual patient needs. Future research should therefore prioritize the development of advanced AI frameworks that can assimilate diverse data streams to support clinical decision-making. The goal is not only to more accurately predict HE, but also to improve overall patient care and quality of life.

Evaluating outcomes of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedure among Native Americans

BACKGROUND

This study aims to explore racial disparities in immediate outcomes of Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) among Native Americans, a group that have higher prevalence of liver cirrhosis but were the "invisible group" in previous TIPS studies due to their small population size.

METHODS

The study identified Native Americans and Caucasians who underwent TIPS in National/Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from Q4 2015-2020. Preoperative factors, including demographics, indications for TIPS, comorbidities, etiologies for liver disease, primary payer status, and hospital characteristics, were matched by 1:5 propensity score matching. In-hospital post-TIPS outcomes were then compared between the two cohorts.

RESULTS

There were 6,658 patients who underwent TIPS, where 101 (1.52%) were Native Americans and 4,574 (68.70%) were Caucasians. Native Americans presented as younger, with a lower socioeconomic status, and displayed higher rates of alcohol abuse and related liver diseases. After propensity-score matching, Native Americans had comparable in-hospital post-TIPS outcomes including mortality (8.33% vs 9.09%, p = 1.00), hepatic encephalopathy (18.75% vs 25.84%, p = 0.19), acute kidney injury (28.13% vs 30.62%, p = 0.71), and other adverse events. Native Americans also had similar wait from admission to operation (2.15 ± 0.30 vs 2.87 ± 0.21 days, p = 0.13), hospital length of stay (7.43 ± 0.63 vs 8.62 ± 0.47 days, p = 0.13), and total costs (158,299 ± 14,218.2 vs 169,425 ± 8,600.7 dollars, p = 0.50).

CONCLUSION

Native Americans had similar immediate outcomes after TIPS compared to their propensity-matched Caucasians. While these results underscore effective healthcare delivery of TIPS to Native Americans, it is imperative to pursue further research for long-term post-procedure outcomes.

Higher In-Hospital Mortality among Asian Americans Undergoing Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Procedure

Background

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a procedure to alleviate portal hypertension in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. While prior research highlighted racial disparities in TIPS, Asian Americans were not included in the investigation. This study aimed to investigate disparities in the immediate postprocedural outcomes among Asian American patients who underwent TIPS.

Methods

The study identified Asian American and Caucasian patients who underwent TIPS in the National Inpatient Sample from Q4 2015-2020. Preprocedural factors, including demographics, comorbidities, primary payer status, and hospital characteristics, were matched by 1:2 propensity-score matching between the groups. In-hospital outcomes after TIPS were examined.

Results

There were 6,658 patients who underwent TIPS with 128 (1.92%) Asian Americans and 4,574 (68.70%) Caucasians, where 218 Caucasians were matched to all Asian Americans. Asian Americans had higher in-hospital mortality (14.06% vs. 7.34%, p = 0.04) and higher total hospital charge (253,756 ± 37,867 vs. 163,391 ± 10,265 US dollars, p = 0.02). The occurrence of hepatic encephalopathy, acute kidney injury, transfers out to other hospital facilities, and length of stay did not differ between cohorts.

Conclusion

Despite their heightened risk for cirrhosis, Asian Americans are significantly underrepresented in TIPS and had higher in-hospital mortality after TIPS. This highlights the need for enhanced access to diagnosis and treatment care of liver cirrhosis for Asian Americans.

Outcomes of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding at United States Teaching and Non-teaching Hospitals: A National Inpatient Sample Analysis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Studies have varied results regarding the impact of the teaching and non-teaching status of hospitals on the outcomes for hospitalized patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). To evaluate these outcomes, we conducted a retrospective cohort study using the 2014 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database.

METHODS

We included all adult patients who were admitted with the principal diagnosis of UGIB. Patients admitted to rural and urban non-teaching hospitals were classified as non-teaching, whereas those admitted to urban teaching hospitals were classified as teaching. The main outcomes of interest were in-hospital mortality, percentage of patients requiring inpatient endoscopy, and endoscopic therapy, packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion, length of stay (LOS), and total hospitalization charges.

RESULTS

The study included 132,085 (97%) with nonvariceal UGIB (NVUGIB) and 4,200 (3%) with variceal UGIB (VUGIB). Of them, 62% were managed at teaching hospitals. Compared with admitted patients at non-teaching hospitals, patients with nonvariceal UGIB admitted at teaching hospitals had similar adjusted in-hospital mortality rates (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 0.97, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.79-1.19), inpatient endoscopy rates (OR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.91-1.1), and early endoscopy rates (within 24 hours) (OR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.91-1.1) and lower PRBC transfusion rates (OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.79-0.97) but higher endoscopic therapy rates (OR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.2-1.4), length of stay (mean increase of 0.43 days) (P<0.01), and total hospital charges (mean increase of $4,369) (P<0.01). Patients with variceal UGIB had similar adjusted in-hospital mortality rates (OR: 1.2, 95% CI: 0.61-2.3), inpatient endoscopy rates (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.67-1.4), early endoscopy rates (within 24 hours) (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.67-1.4), endoscopic therapy rates (OR: 2.5, 95% CI: 0.54- 11.2), and total hospital charges (P=0.45), and lower PRBC transfusion rates (OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.45-0.88) but higher length of stay (mean increase of 0.69 days) (P=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with nonvariceal UGIB treated at US teaching hospitals and non-teaching hospitals have similar mortality, rates of in-hospital endoscopy, and early endoscopy, but teaching hospitals have higher rates of in-hospital therapeutic endoscopy, length of stay, and total hospital charges. There was no difference in any of the outcomes for variceal gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding treated at teaching hospitals compared with those treated at non-teaching hospitals, except for length of stay, which was higher among patients admitted to teaching hospitals compared to those admitted to non-teaching hospitals.

Disparity Among African Americans in Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Procedure: A National Inpatient Sample Analysis from 2015 to 2020

BACKGROUND

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a procedure used to alleviate patients with chronic liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Racial disparities were present in TIPS where numerous studies suggested African American patients experience higher in-hospital mortality rates. However, the incidence of post-TIPS surgical complications, such as HE, has yet to be examined among African Americans. Therefore, this study aimed to provide a comprehensive examination of the disparities in TIPS procedures among African American patients.

METHODS

The study compared African American and Caucasian patients who underwent TIPS procedures in the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from the last quarter of 2015-2020 after ICD-10 change. Preoperative variables, including demographics, comorbidities, primary payer status, and hospital characteristics, were examined and multivariable analysis was used to assess outcomes correcting preoperative variables with p < 0.1.

RESULTS

Compared to Caucasians, African Americans had higher in-hospital mortality (16.18 vs 8.22%, aOR 1.781, p < 0.01), hepatic encephalopathy (33.09 vs 27.44%, aOR 1.300, p = 0.05), and acute kidney injury (45.59 vs 29.60%, aOR 2.019, p < 0.01). Using the generalized linear model, African Americans have longer length of stay (11.04 ± 0.77 days vs 8.54 ± 0.16 days, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Despite a higher prevalence of cirrhosis, African Americans continue to have marked underrepresentation in TIPS procedures in recent years. Their underrepresentation, in conjunction with higher mortality, morbidity, and increased comorbidity conditions, could imply disparity in accessing care. This finding underscores the necessity for improved access to diagnostic and therapeutic services for African Americans with liver cirrhosis.

Prognosis value of serum chloride on 1-year mortality in cirrhotic patients receiving transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Emerging researches have regarded serum chloride as a capable predictor of mortality in liver cirrhosis. We aim to investigate the clinical role of admission chloride in cirrhotic patients with esophagogastric varices receiving transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), which is unclear.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data of cirrhotic patients with esophagogastric varices undergoing TIPS in Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University. Mortality outcome was obtained by following up for 1-year after TIPS. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression were used to identify independent predictors of 1-year mortality post-TIPS. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were adopted to assess the predictive ability of the predictors. In addition, log-rank test and Kaplan-Meier (KM) analyses were employed to evaluate the prognostic value of predictors in the survival probability.

RESULTS

A total of 182 patients were included ultimately. Age, fever symptom, platelet-to lymphocyte-ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), total bilirubin, serum sodium, chloride, and Child-Pugh score were related to 1-year follow-up mortality. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, serum chloride (HR = 0.823, 95%CI = 0.757-0.894, p < 0.001) and Child-Pugh score (HR = 1.401, 95%CI = 1.151-1.704, p = 0.001) were identified as independent predictors of 1-year mortality. Patients with serum chloride <107.35 mmol/L showed worse survival probability than those with serum chloride ≥107.35 mmol/L no matter with or without ascites (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Admission hypochloremia and increasing Child-Pugh score are independent predictors of 1-year mortality in cirrhotic patients with esophagogastric varices receiving TIPS.

Frailty as a risk-stratification tool in patients undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)

Objectives

The concept of frailty has gained importance, especially in patients with liver disease. Our study systematically investigated the effect of frailty on post-procedural outcomes in patients undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS).

Methods

We used National Inpatient Sample(NIS) 2016-2019 data to identify patients who underwent TIPS. Hospital frailty risk score (HFRS) was used to classify patients as frail (HFRS>=5) and non-frail (HFRS<5). The relationship between frailty and outcomes such as death, post-procedural shock, non-home discharge, length of stay (LOS), post-procedural LOS, and total hospitalization charges (THC) was assessed.

Results

A total of 13,700 patients underwent TIPS during 2016-2019. Of them, 5,995 (43.76%) patients were frail, while 7,705 (56.24%) were non-frail. There were no significant differences between the two groups based on age, gender, race, insurance, and income. Frail patients had higher mortality (15.18% vs. 2.07%, p<0.001), a higher incidence of non-home discharge (53.38% vs. 19.08%, p<0.001), a longer overall LOS (12.5 days vs. 3.35,p<0.001), longer post-procedural stay (8.2 days vs. 3.4 days, p<0.001), and higher THC ($240,746.7 vs. $121,763.1, p<0.001) compared to the non-frail patients. On multivariate analysis, frail patients had a statistically significant higher risk of mortality (aOR-3.22, 95% CI-1.98- 5.00, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Frailty assessment can be beneficial in risk stratification in patients undergoing TIPS.

Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Outcomes in the Elderly Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a procedure typically utilized to treat refractory ascites and variceal bleeding. However, TIPS can lead to significant complications, most commonly hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Advanced age has been described as a risk factor for HE, as the elderly population tends to have decreased cognitive reserve and increased sarcopenia. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available literature to summarize the association between advanced age and risk of adverse events after undergoing TIPS.

Methods

A comprehensive search strategy to identify reports of specific outcomes (HE, 30-day and 90-day mortality, and 30-day readmission due to HE) in elderly patients after undergoing TIPS was developed in Embase (Embase.com, Elsevier). We compared outcomes and performed separate data analyses for patients aged < 70 vs. > 70 years and patients aged < 65 vs. > 65 years.

Results

Six studies with a total of 1,591 patients met our inclusion criteria and were included in the final meta-analysis. Three studies divided patients by age < 65 vs. > 65 years, with a total of 816 patients who were 54% male. The remaining three studies divided patients by age < 70 vs. > 70 years, with a total of 775 patients who were 63% male. Results demonstrated a significantly lower risk of post-TIPS HE (risk ratio (RR): 0.42, confidence interval (CI): 0.185 - 0.953, P = 0.03, I2 = 49%), 30-day mortality (RR: 0.37, CI: 0.188 - 0.74, P = 0.005, I2 = 0%), and 90-day mortality (RR: 0.35, CI: 0.24 - 0.49, P = 0.001, I2 = 0%) in patients aged > 70 vs. < 70 years, as well as a trend towards lower risk of 30-day readmission due to HE. There was no significant difference in post-TIPS HE, 30-day or 90-day mortality, or 30-day readmission due to HE between patients aged < 65 vs. > 65 years.

Conclusion

Age > 70 years is associated with significantly higher rates of HE and 30-day and 90-day mortality rates in patients after undergoing TIPS, as well as a trend towards higher 30-day readmission due to HE.

North American Practice-Based Recommendations for Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunts in Portal Hypertension

Complications of portal hypertension, including ascites, gastrointestinal bleeding, hepatic hydrothorax, and hepatic encephalopathy, are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Despite few high-quality randomized controlled trials to guide therapeutic decisions, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation has emerged as a crucial therapeutic option to treat complications of portal hypertension. In North America, the decision to perform TIPS involves gastroenterologists, hepatologists, and interventional radiologists, but TIPS creation is performed by interventional radiologists. This is in contrast to other parts of the world where TIPS creation is performed primarily by hepatologists. Thus, the successful use of TIPS in North America is dependent on a multidisciplinary approach and technical expertise, so as to optimize outcomes. Recently, new procedural techniques, TIPS stent technology, and indications for TIPS have emerged. As a result, practices and outcomes vary greatly across institutions and significant knowledge gaps exist. In this consensus statement, the Advancing Liver Therapeutic Approaches group critically reviews the application of TIPS in the management of portal hypertension. Advancing Liver Therapeutic Approaches convened a multidisciplinary group of North American experts from hepatology, interventional radiology, transplant surgery, nephrology, cardiology, pulmonology, and hematology to critically review existing literature and develop practice-based recommendations for the use of TIPS in patients with any cause of portal hypertension in terms of candidate selection, procedural best practices and, post-TIPS management; and to develop areas of consensus for TIPS indications and the prevention of complications. Finally, future research directions are identified related to TIPS for the management of portal hypertension.

Racial disparities in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedure outcomes

Objective

The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedure is an important intervention for management of complications of portal hypertension. The objective of this study was to identify predictors of mortality from the TIPS procedure with a focus on race and ethnicity.

Design

TIPS procedures from 2012 to 2014 in the National Inpatient Sample were identified. Weighting was applied to generate nationally representative results. In-hospital mortality was the primary outcome of interest. χ² and Student’s t-tests were performed for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Predictors of mortality following TIPS were assessed by survey-weighted logistic regression.

Results

17 175 (95% CI 16 254 to 18 096) TIPS cases were identified. Approximately 71% were non-Hispanic (NH) white, 6% were NH black, 16% were Hispanic and 7% were other. NH black patients undergoing TIPS had an in-hospital mortality rate of 20.1%, nearly double the in-hospital mortality of any other racial or ethnic group. NH black patients also had significantly longer median postprocedure and total lengths of stay (p=0.03 and p<0.001, respectively). The interaction of race by clinical indication was a significant predictor of in-hospital mortality (p<0.001). NH black patients had increased mortality compared with other racial/ethnic groups when presenting with bleeding oesophageal varices (OR 3.85, 95% CI 2.14 to 6.95).

Conclusion

This cohort study presents important findings in end-stage liver disease care, with clear racial disparities in in-hospital outcomes following the TIPS procedure. Specifically, black patients had significantly higher in-hospital mortality and longer lengths of stay. Further research is needed to understand how we can better care for black patients with liver disease.

Transjugular Portosystemic Stent Shunt: Impact of Right Atrial Pressure on Portal Venous Hemodynamics Within the First Week

Purpose

Porto-systemic pressure gradient is used to prognosticate rebleeding and resolution of ascites after TIPS. This study investigates the reliability of portal pressure characteristics as quantified immediately after TIPS placement and at short-term control.

Patients and Methods

Portal venous pressure (PVP) and right atrial pressure (RAP) were prospectively obtained before and after TIPS as well as ≥ 48 h after TIPS procedure. Porto-systemic pressure gradients (PSG) and pressure changes were calculated. A multivariate regression analysis was performed to predict portal hemodynamics at short-term control.

Results

The study included 124 consecutive patients. Indications for TIPS were refractory ascites, variceal bleeding or combinations of both. Pre- and post-interventional PSG yielded 16.4 ± 5.3 mmHg and 5.9 ± 2.7 mmHg, respectively. At that time, 105/124 patients (84.7%) met the target (PSG ≤ 8 mmHg). After 4 days (median), PSG was 8.5 ± 3.5 mmHg and only 66 patients (53%) met that target. In patients exceeding the target PSG at follow-up, PVP was significantly higher and RAP was lower resulting in the increased PSG. The highly variable changes of RAP were the main contributor to different pressure gradients. In the multivariate regression analysis, PVP and RAP immediately after TIPS were predictors for PSG at short-term control with moderately predictive capacity (AUC = 0.75).

Conclusion

Besides the reduction of portal vein pressure, the highly variable right atrial pressure was the main contributor to different pressure gradients. Thus, immediate post-TIPS measurements do not reliably predict portal hemodynamics during follow-up. These findings need to be further investigated with respect to the corresponding clinical course of the patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00270-021-03003-z.

Decision making for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt in refractory ascites and variceal bleeding: MELD, or not MELD, that is the question

PURPOSE

The model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) score has been shown to predict 3-month prognosis following transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt (TIPS) in liver cirrhosis; however, that score was derived from a mixed cohort, including patients with refractory ascites and variceal bleeding. This study re-evaluates the role of the MELD score and focuses on differences between both groups of patients.

METHODS

A total of 301 patients (192 male and 109 female) received TIPS, 213 because of refractory ascites and 88 because of variceal bleeding. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were performed to identify predictors of mortality and area under the receiver operator characteristics (AUROC) were used to assess the prognostic capacity of the MELD score and of the results of predictors of the multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

In refractory ascites, age, bilirubin and albumin were independent predictors of mortality. In variceal bleeding, emergency TIPS during ongoing bleeding, concomitant grade III ascites, history of hepatic encephalopathy, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, bilirubin and platelet count proved significant. AUROCs of the MELD score for 3-month survival yielded 0.543 and 0.836 for refractory ascites and variceal bleeding, respectively (P < 0.001). For 1-year survival, the respective AUROCs yielded 0.533 and 0.767 (P < 0.001). In contrast to MELD, the AUROCs based on the calculated risk scores of this study resulted in 0.660 and 0.876 for 3-month survival, and 0.665 and 0.835 for 1-year survival in patients with ascites and variceal bleeding, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In refractory ascites, the prognostic capability of MELD is significantly inferior compared to variceal bleeding. The results of our multivariate analyses and AUROC calculations corroborate the impact of different prognostic variables in patients undergoing TIPS for ascites and variceal bleeding.

TIPS for Adults Without Cirrhosis With Chronic Mesenteric Venous Thrombosis and EHPVO Refractory to Standard-of-Care Therapy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Extrahepatic portal vein occlusion (EHPVO) from portal vein thrombosis is a rare condition associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) for the treatment of chronic EHPVO, cavernomatosis, and mesenteric venous thrombosis in adults without cirrhosis who are refractory to standard-of-care therapy.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients with chronic EHPVO received TIPS. Laboratory parameters and follow-up were assessed at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months, and every 6 months thereafter. Two hepatologists adjudicated symptom improvement attributable to mesenteric thrombosis and EHPVO before/after TIPS. Kaplan-Meier was used to assess primary and overall TIPS patency, assessing procedural success. Adverse events, radiation exposure, hospital length-of-stay and patency were recorded. Cavernoma was present in 100%, with TIPS being successful in all cases using splenic, mesenteric, and transhepatic approaches. Symptom improvement was noted in 26 of 30 (87%) at 6-month follow-up. Twelve patients (31%) experienced TIPS thrombosis. There were no significant long-term laboratory adverse events or deaths. At 36 months, freedom from primary TIPS thrombosis was 63%; following secondary interventions, overall patency was increased to 81%.

CONCLUSIONS

TIPS in chronic, noncirrhotic EHPVO with cavernomas and mesenteric venous thrombosis is technically feasible and does not adversely affect liver function. Most patients demonstrate subjective and objective benefit from TIPS. Improvement in patency rates are needed with proper timing of adjuvant anticoagulation.

History of Hepatic Encephalopathy Is Not a Contraindication to Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Placement for Refractory Ascites

INTRODUCTION

The outcomes of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement in patients with hepatic encephalopathy (HE) are controversial. We studied the relationship of pre-TIPS HE in patients undergoing TIPS for refractory ascites on all-cause mortality and development of post-TIPS HE.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective comparison study was performed for patients undergoing TIPS for refractory ascites. Survival by history of pre-TIPS HE was demonstrated with Kaplan-Meier curves. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the predictors of post-TIPS clinical outcomes for patients with and without pre-TIPS HE.

RESULTS

We identified 202 TIPS recipients (61% male, mean ± SD; age 59.1 ± 10.2 years; mean model for end-stage liver disease score 17.3 ± 6.9). Pre-TIPS HE did not predispose patients for increased all-cause mortality, increased risk of experiencing HE within 60 days, or increased risk of hospital admission for HE within 6 months. A multivariate analysis demonstrated that total bilirubin (odds ratio [OR] 1.03; P = 0.016) and blood urea nitrogen (OR 1.15; P = 0.002) were predictors for all-cause mortality within 6 months post-TIPS. Age ≥65 years (OR 3.92; P = 0.004), creatinine (OR 2.22; P = 0.014), and Child-Pugh score (OR 1.53; P = 0.006) were predictors for HE within 60 days post-TIPS. Predictors of intensive care admission for HE within 6 months post-TIPS included age ≥65 years (OR 8.84; P = 0.018), history of any admission for HE within 6 months pre-TIPS (OR 8.42; P = 0.017), and creatinine (OR 2.22; P = 0.015).

DISCUSSION

If controlled, pre-TIPS HE does not adversely impact patient survival or clinical outcomes, such as development of HE within 60 days of TIPS or hospital admission for HE within 6 months. Patients may be able to undergo TIPS for refractory ascites despite a history of HE.

Is 70 the new 50? Complications and outcomes of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in older versus younger patients

BACKGROUND

An increased risk of complications of TIPS in patients older than 65 years of age has been described, but data is limited. The objective of this study was to determine if the rate of complications post-TIPS differs in patients 65 or younger, compared to those older than 65 years of age.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed for all patients who underwent TIPS procedure at Banner-University Medical Center Phoenix, from 2010 to 2018, specifically focusing on complications and outcomes post-TIPS. In total, 402 patients were included in this analysis. Complications included portosystemic encephalopathy, post-TIPS infection, acute kidney injury requiring hemodialysis, hemorrhage, respiratory complications, need for transplant, or death.

RESULTS

A total of 402 patients were included and divided into two groups: 300 (74.6%) were 65 years or younger (ages 53 ± 9), and 102 were older than 65 years (70 ± 5 (p < 0.001)). There were no statistically significant differences between age groups when comparing portosystemic encephalopathy, post-TIPS infection, acute kidney injury, respiratory complications, need for transplant, or death.

CONCLUSION

In this large, single-center cohort, there was no statistically significant difference in the rate of complications of TIPS between the two age groups. Based on our results, TIPS procedure is an equally safe option for properly selected patients with complications of portal hypertension, regardless of age.

Prognostic Value of the CLIF-C AD Score in Patients With Implantation of Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt

Prognostic assessment of patients with liver cirrhosis allocated for implantation of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a challenging task in clinical practice. The aim of our study was to assess the prognostic value of the CLIF-C AD (Acute Decompensation) score in patients with TIPS implantation. Transplant-free survival (TFS) and 3-month mortality were reviewed in 880 patients who received de novo TIPS implantation for the treatment of cirrhotic portal hypertension. The prognostic value of the CLIF-C AD score was compared with the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, Child-Pugh score, and albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score using Harrell's C concordance index. The median TFS after TIPS implantation was 40.0 (34.6-45.4) months. The CLIF-C AD score (c = 0.635 [0.609-0.661]) was superior in the prediction of TFS in comparison to MELD score (c = 0.597 [0.570-0.623], P = 0.006), Child-Pugh score (c = 0.579 [0.552-0.606], P < 0.001), and ALBI score (c = 0.573 [0.545-0.600], P < 0.001). However, the CLIF-C AD score did not perform significantly better than the MELD-Na score (c = 0.626 [0.599-0.653], P = 0.442). There were no profound differences in the scores' ranking with respect to indication for TIPS implantation, stent type, or underlying liver disease. Subgroup analyses revealed that a CLIF-C AD score >45 was a predictor of 3-month mortality in the supposed low-risk group of patients with a MELD score ≤12 (14.7% vs. 5.1%, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The CLIF-C AD score is suitable for prognostic assessment of patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension receiving TIPS implantation. In the prediction of TFS, the CLIF-C AD score is superior to MELD score, Child-Pugh score, and ALBI score but not the MELD-Na score.

Socioeconomic Status Is Associated with the Risk of Hepatic Encephalopathy after Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Creation

PURPOSE

To determine whether socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with hepatic encephalopathy (HE) risk after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This single-institution retrospective study included 368 patients (mean age = 56.7 years; n = 229 males) from 5 states who underwent TIPS creation. SES was estimated using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality SES index, a metric based on neighborhood housing, education, and income statistics. Episodes of new or worsening HE after TIPS creation, defined as hospitalization for HE or escalation in outpatient medical therapy, were identified from medical records. Multivariable ordinal regression, negative binomial regression, and competing risks survival analysis were used to identify factors associated with SES quartile, the number of episodes of new or worsening HE per unit time after TIPS creation, and mortality after TIPS creation, respectively.

RESULTS

There were 83, 113, 99, and 73 patients in the lowest, second, third, and highest SES quartiles, respectively. In multivariable regression, only older age (β = 0.04, confidence interval [CI] = 0.02-0.05; P < .001) and white, non-Hispanic ethnicity (β = 0.64, CI = 0.07-1.21; P = .03) were associated with higher SES quartile. In multivariable regression, lower SES quartile (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.80, CI = 0.68-0.94; P = .004), along with older age, male sex, higher model for end-stage liver disease score, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and proton pump inhibitor use were associated with higher rates of HE after TIPS creation. Ethnicity was not associated with the rate of HE after TIPS creation (IRR = 0.77, CI = 0.46-1.29; P = .28). In multivariable survival analysis, neither SES quartile nor ethnicity predicted mortality after creation of a TIPS.

CONCLUSION

Lower SES is associated with higher rates of new or worsening HE after TIPS creation.

Rate, reasons, predictors, and burden of readmissions after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Nationwide data on readmissions after the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedure are lacking. We aimed to investigate the 30-day readmission rate after TIPS procedure, reasons, and predictors for readmissions and its impact on resource utilization and mortality in the USA.

METHODS

We identified all adults who underwent an inpatient TIPS procedure between 2010 and 2014 using the National Readmission Database. Outcomes included all-cause 30-day readmission rate, reasons and predictors of readmissions, mortality rate, and mean hospitalization charges.

RESULTS

Out of a total of 31 230 hospitalizations with TIPS procedure, 28 021 patients met the study criteria and were finally included. The mean age of patients was 56.90 years, and 63.84% were men. All-cause 30-day readmission rate was 27.81%. Hepatic encephalopathy with or without coma was the most common reason for readmissions in at least 36.43% patients. The in-hospital mortality for index hospitalization and 30-day readmission was 10.69% and 5.85%, respectively. The mean hospitalization charges for index hospitalization and readmissions were $153 357 and $45 751, respectively. Advanced age, Medicaid insurance, higher Charlson comorbidy index, ascites as indication of TIPS, and nonspecific or hepatitis C cirrhosis etiologies for cirrhosis were found to be independent predictors of 30-day readmissions after a TIPS procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study found a high rate of readmission for patients undergoing TIPS procedure, and the majority of these readmissions were related to hepatic encephalopathy. Further studies highlighting areas for improvement, particularly for patient selection and post-discharge care, are needed to reduce readmissions.

Impact of Malnutrition on Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Insertion

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition is common in patients with cirrhosis and is associated with poor outcomes after hepatic resection and liver transplantation. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is performed for complications of cirrhosis.

AIM

To assess the impact of malnutrition on TIPS outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project: National Inpatient Sample database for TIPS procedures from 2005 to 2014. The primary end point was in-hospital mortality. The association of specific malnutrition diagnostic codes and race-ethnicity on mortality was evaluated with survey-weighted logistic regression adjusted for age, gender, admission type, insurance payer, hospital region, comorbidities, and length of stay (LOS).

RESULTS

From 2005 to 2014, an estimated 53,207 (95% CI 49,330-57,085) admissions with TIPS occurred. A diagnosis of malnutrition was present in 11%. In-hospital death post-TIPS occurred in 15.0% versus 10.7% (p value < 0.001) of patients with and without malnutrition, respectively. Patients with malnutrition had longer post-procedural LOS (median 6.7 vs. 2.9 days, p value < 0.001) and greater total hospital charges (median $144,752 vs. $79,781, p value < 0.001) and were more likely to be discharged to a skilled nursing facility (21.6% vs. 9.7%) than patients without malnutrition. Patients with malnutrition had increased odds of mortality (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.07, 1.59) compared to patients with no malnutrition.

CONCLUSION

Malnutrition was associated with worse outcomes after TIPS. Further research is needed to understand the mechanism of malnutrition in post-procedure outcomes and the ability of interventions for nutritional optimization to improve outcomes.

Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunts Reduce Variceal Bleeding and Improve Survival in Patients with Cirrhosis: A Population-Based Analysis

PURPOSE

To investigate from a population health perspective the effects of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation on recurrent variceal bleeding and survival in patients with cirrhosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with cirrhosis who presented to outpatient and acute-care hospitals in California (2005-2011) and Florida (2005-2014) with variceal bleeding comprised the study cohort. Patients entered the study cohort at their first presentation for variceal bleeding; all subsequent hospital encounters were then evaluated to determine subsequent interventions, complications, and mortality data.

RESULTS

A total of 655,577 patients with cirrhosis were identified, of whom 42,708 (6.5%) had at least 1 episode of variceal bleeding and comprised the study cohort. The median follow-up time was 2.61 years. A TIPS was created in 4,201 (9.8%) of these patients. There were significantly greater incidences of coagulopathy (83.9% vs 72.8%; P < .001), diabetes (45.5% vs 38.8%; P < .001), and hepatorenal syndrome (15.3% vs 12.5%; P < .001) in TIPS recipients vs those without a TIPS. Following propensity-score matching, TIPS recipients were found to have improved overall survival (82% vs 77% at 12 mo; P < .001) and a lower rate of recurrent variceal bleeding (88% vs 83% recurrent bleeding-free survival at 12 months,; P < .001) than patients without a TIPS. Patients with a TIPS had a significant increase in encounters for hepatic encephalopathy vs those without (1.01 vs 0.49 per year; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

TIPS improves recurrent variceal bleeding rates and survival in patients with cirrhosis complicated by variceal bleeding. However, TIPS creation is also associated with a significant increase in hepatic encephalopathy.

Predictors of Occurrence and Risk of Hepatic Encephalopathy After TIPS Creation: A 15-Year Experience

PURPOSE

To identify clinical variables, including use of newer Viatorr TIPS endoprosthesis with controlled expansion (VCX) that may affect the occurrence and risk of hepatic encephalopathy after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation.

METHODS

A total of 376 patients who underwent TIPS creation at our institution between 2003 and 2018 were retrospectively identified. Of these patients, 71 received a Viatorr controlled expansion endoprosthesis and 305 received a Viatorr TIPS endoprosthesis (older version without controlled expansion). Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify factors predicting the occurrence of hepatic encephalopathy after TIPS creation; a Cox proportional hazard model was used to assess risk of HE through time to HE onset RESULTS: A total of 194 patients (52%) developed hepatic encephalopathy after TIPS creation, including 28 of 71 patients (39%) who received a VCX endoprosthesis. Older patient age and the use of Viatorr endoprosthesis without controlled expansion were significantly associated with the development of hepatic encephalopathy overall. Pre-TIPS pressure variables, patient age, plasma international normalized ratio, and model for end-stage liver disease score were risk factors for time to hepatic encephalopathy.

CONCLUSION

Several variables are mild predictors of early hepatic encephalopathy development after TIPS creation, and the use of VCX endoprosthesis in TIPS creation is associated with a modest lower risk of hepatic encephalopathy. These preliminary findings should be considered in regard to patient selection, endoprosthesis selection, and post-transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation monitoring for the development of hepatic encephalopathy.

Outcomes After Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt in Cirrhotic Patients 70 Years and Older

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is effective at treating ascites and variceal bleeding but may be associated with increased morbidity and mortality in older patients. Our aim was to report outcomes in patients 70 years and older who underwent TIPS because data are limited in this population. We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent TIPS at our institution over 10 years. We matched those 70 years and older to those 50–59 years old by year of TIPS and the Model for End-Stage Liver Diseae-Sodium (MELD-Na). Thirty-day readmissions were higher in the elderly group (n = 50) compared to the younger group (n = 50), n = 17 (34%) and n = 6 (12%) (p = 0.02), respectively. Readmissions for post-TIPS hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in the older and younger groups were n = 14 (28%) and n = 5 (10%) (p = 0.04), respectively. Thirty-day mortality was higher in the older group compared to the younger group, but the difference was not statistically significant, 24% and 12%, respectively (p = 0.19). TIPS can be performed safely in patients 70 years and older, but the overall readmissions, and specifically for HE, were significantly higher in older patients. Patients 70 years and older should be followed closely after TIPS, and early introduction of treatment for encephalopathy should be considered.

Association Between Institutional Factors and Long-Term Survival Following Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a procedure designed to treat portal hypertension. Hospital teaching status is an institutional factor found to be predictive of outcomes following several complex procedures; however, its impact on outcomes following TIPS is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the association between hospital teaching status and long‐term survival in patients with cirrhosis receiving TIPS. We performed a retrospective population‐based cohort study using linked administrative health data from Ontario, Canada. Adult patients with cirrhosis who received TIPS between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2016, with follow‐up until December 31, 2017, were included. Hospital teaching status was defined based on hospital participation in the instruction of medical students and/or resident physicians. Liver transplant‐free (LTF) survival was evaluated using Kaplan‐Meier analysis, and overall survival was assessed using competing risks regression analysis, which accounted for hospital clustering. A total of 857 unique patients were included (mean age 57.1 years; 69.1% male). The TIPS procedures were performed in teaching hospitals (84.3%) as well as nonteaching hospitals (15.7%). Median LTF survival was more than twice as long for procedures performed in teaching hospitals compared to nonteaching hospitals (2.2 years versus 0.9 year, respectively; P < 0.001). After adjusting for confounders and clustering, hospital teaching status was not independently associated with mortality (nonteaching subdistribution hazard ratio [sHR], 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.97‐1.81; P = 0.08); however, annual hospital procedure volume was (per unit increase sHR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.93‐0.99; P = 0.003). Conclusion: Hospital procedure volume is associated with long‐term survival following TIPS. These results further support the centralization of TIPS to high‐volume hospitals to improve long‐term outcomes in this population.

Temporal trends of cirrhosis associated conditions

BACKGROUND

Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis is the 12^th leading cause of death in the United States. Patients with decompensated-cirrhosis, especially with hepatic encephalopathy/coma (HC), have a higher rate of early readmission and contribute to higher healthcare cost.

AIM

To evaluate the national inpatient trends of discharges, mortalities and financial impacts associated with four common conditions of cirrhosis.

METHODS

The publicly available Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample database was utilized to examine the temporal trends of total number of discharges, mortalities and inpatient costs related to hospitalization with a primary diagnosis of HC, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), esophageal varices with bleeding (EV) and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) from 2005 to 2014. The ten-year temporal trends were assessed using simple linear regressions and multiple regression analysis. Two-sided P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

From 2005 to 2014, the total number of discharges with cirrhosis-associated complications trended up for HC, SBP and EV (HC by 70% increase, P < 0.0001; SBP by 819% increase, P = 0.0002; EV by 9% increase, P = 0.016), but not for TIPS (P = 0.90). HC related to viral hepatitis showed faster increase by 357% (P < 0.0001) in comparison to HC not related to viral hepatitis by 33 % (P = 0.0006). Overall, in-hospital mortality rates for each condition decreased from 2005 to 2014 (HC by 29% reduction, P = 0.0024; SBP by 26% reduction, P = 0.0038; TIPS by 32% reduction, P = 0.021) except for EV (P = 0.34). After adjustment for inflation, aggregate cost of hospitalization for EV, HC, and SBP significantly increased by 20%, 86%, and 980%, respectively, from 2005 to 2014 (all P < 0.02), while TIPS had trend toward decreasing cost by 3% (P = 0.95).

CONCLUSION

The number of hospitalizations and costs for some of the cirrhosis-associated conditions increased. However, the inpatient mortality rates for most of these conditions decreased.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt as a bridge to non-hepatic surgery in cirrhotic patients with severe portal hypertension: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Portal hypertension (PHTN) increases the risk of non-hepatic surgery in cirrhotic patients. This first systematic review analyzes the place of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in preparation for non-hepatic surgery in such patients.

METHODS

Medline, EMBASE, and Scopus databases were searched from 1990 to 2017 to identify reports on outcomes of non-hepatic surgery in cirrhotic patients with PHTN prepared by TIPS. Feasibility of TIPS and the planned surgery, and the short- and long-term outcomes of the latter were assessed.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies (64 patients) were selected. TIPS was indicated for past history of variceal bleeding and/or ascites in 22 (34%) and 33 (52%) patients, respectively. The planned surgery was gastrointestinal tract cancer in 38 (59%) patients, benign digestive or pelvic surgery in 21 (33%) patients and others in 4 (6%) patients. The TIPS procedure was successful in all, with a nil mortality rate. All patients could be operated within a median delay of 30 days from TIPS (mortality rate = 8%; overall morbidity rate = 59.4%). One year overall survival was 80%.

CONCLUSIONS

TIPS allows non-hepatic surgery in cirrhotic patients deemed non operable due to PHTN. Further evidence in larger cohort of patients is essential for wider applicability.