Association of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with gallstone disease in the United States hospitalized patient population

Impact of cholecystectomy on the gut-liver axis and metabolic disorders

Cholecystectomy is considered as a safe procedure to treat patients with gallstones. However, epidemiological studies highlighted an association between cholecystectomy and metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), independently of the gallstone disease. Following cholecystectomy, bile acids flow directly from the liver into the intestine, leading to changes in the entero-hepatic circulation of bile acids and their metabolism. The changes in bile acids metabolism impact the gut microbiota. Therefore, cholecystectomized patients display gut dysbiosis characterized by a reduced diversity, a loss of bacteria producing short-chain fatty acids and an increase in pro-inflammatory bacteria. Alterations of both bile acids metabolism and gut microbiota occurring after cholecystectomy can promote the development of metabolic disorders. In this review, we discuss the impact of cholecystectomy on bile acids and gut microbiota and its consequences on metabolic functions.

Association of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease with gallstone development: A longitudinal study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The influence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease on gallstone development remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the longitudinal association between metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and gallstone development in both men and women.

METHODS

This observational cohort study included 5398 patients without gallstones who underwent > 2 health check-ups between April 1, 2014, and March 31, 2020. A generalized estimation equation model was used to analyze the association between metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and gallstone development according to repeated measures at baseline and most recent stage.

RESULTS

After adjustment, the odds ratios of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease for gallstone development in men and women were 3.019 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.901-4.794) and 2.201 (95% CI: 1.321-3.667), respectively. Among patients aged ≥ 50 years, the odds ratio for gallstone development was significantly enhanced with increasing metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease component numbers in both sexes; however, no significance was observed in those aged < 50 years. Other significant risk factors for gallstone development were age (odds ratio: 1.093, 95% CI: 1.060-1.126) and waist circumference (odds ratio: 1.048, 95% CI: 1.018-1.079) in men and age (odds ratio: 1.035, 95% CI: 1.003-1.067) and current smoking (odd ratio: 5.465, 95% CI: 1.881-15.88) in women.

CONCLUSION

Although the risk factors for gallstone development differed between sexes, metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease was common. Paying attention to an increase in the number of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease components in patients aged ≥ 50 years is important for gallstone prevention.

Comments on: Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Predicts Acute Kidney Injury Readmission in Heart Failure Hospitalizations: A Nationwide Analysis

The article titled "Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Predicts Acute Kidney Injury Readmission in Heart Failure Hospitalizations: A Nationwide Analysis" has been read with great interest. I highly appreciate the authors' efforts to expand the knowledge on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its association with acute kidney injury. I concur with the authors' conclusion that heart failure patients with NAFLD have an increased incidence of hospital readmissions due to acute kidney injury. Nonetheless, I would like to add a few points that would significantly enhance the value of this study and highlight areas of improvement for future research. First, the authors used a nationally representative database, which, while providing comprehensive information about patients in the United States, does not include data from other countries, thus questioning the applicability of these findings to other nations. Second, the authors should have considered ethnicity in their study design, as previous research has shown that NAFLD is more prevalent among Hispanics. Third, the authors should have commented on the important confounders: family history and socioeconomic status of patients. Patients with a family history of NAFLD have a greater propensity to develop grave manifestations of the disease early in life. Similarly, individuals with low socioeconomic status are at an increased risk of NAFLD. The study could have provided more reliable findings by matching the groups for these confounders, mitigating the risk of error and bias.

A Machine Learning-Based Method for Detecting Liver Fibrosis

Cholecystectomy and Metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are prevalent conditions in gastroenterology, frequently co-occurring in clinical practice. Cholecystectomy has been shown to have metabolic consequences, sharing similar pathological mechanisms with MASLD. A database of MASLD patients who underwent cholecystectomy was analysed. This study aimed to develop a tool to identify the risk of liver fibrosis after cholecystectomy. For this purpose, the extreme gradient boosting (XGB) algorithm was used to construct an effective predictive model. The factors associated with a better predictive method were platelet level, followed by dyslipidaemia and type-2 diabetes (T2DM). Compared to other ML methods, our proposed method, XGB, achieved higher accuracy values. The XGB method had the highest balanced accuracy (93.16%). XGB outperformed KNN in accuracy (93.16% vs. 84.45%) and AUC (0.92 vs. 0.84). These results demonstrate that the proposed XGB method can be used as an automatic diagnostic aid for MASLD patients based on machine-learning techniques.

Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Gallstones: A Systematic Review

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is steatosis of the liver that resembles alcohol-induced liver injury but is a metabolic disorder. Most patients are obese with increased triglyceride levels due to increased intake of fatty food, which can cause excess fat to build up in the liver. At the same time, continuous ingestion of fatty foods can lead to gallstones (GS) due to the overproduction of cholesterol. NAFLD and GS have been seen to coincide, and there might be a relationship between them. This systematic review analyzes the incidence of NAFLD and GS to determine a bidirectional relationship. A comprehensive literature review was done using ProQuest, PubMed, and ScienceDirect, and included only experimental studies and meta-analyses. The search included the keywords 'gallstones and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease' and 'cholelithiasis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease'. Our initial search included 10,665 articles and was narrowed down to 19 through extensive inclusion and exclusion criteria. There is a bidirectional relationship between the incidence of NAFLD and GS, where an increase in either can lead to an increase in the other. Both NAFLD and GS share similar risk factors leading to the development of each disease. On average, there's an increase in the prevalence of gallstones in NAFLD patients, and patients with GS were also more likely to have NAFLD. There was a prevalence of NAFLD in those with asymptomatic gallstones as well, indicating that the risk factors are crucial in the development of both. As a result, some research is determining whether an evaluation of the liver should be routine during cholecystectomy due to the increased risk of developing NAFLD.

Association of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease with acute cholangitis: a nationwide propensity-matched analysis from the United States

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has previously been linked to several disease states with an impact on patient outcomes. However, clinical evidence on the association between NAFLD and acute cholangitis (AC) remains scarce. We aimed to evaluate the potential association between NAFLD and AC.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the US National Inpatient Sample database from 2016 to 2019 to analyze primary AC hospitalizations with NAFLD compared to non-NAFLD in a 1:1 propensity-matched population.

Results

A total of 1550 AC patients with NAFLD were matched to 1550 AC patients without NAFLD. NAFLD had a higher association with AC when compared to patients without NAFLD, with an odds ratio of 2.33 (95% CI [1.81-3.0], P < 0.001). The length of stay was higher in NAFLD than in non-NAFLD (4 vs 3 days, P < 0.001). The median inpatient charges in NAFLD were also higher than in the non-NAFLD cohort ($36,182 vs $35,244, P < 0.001). Inpatient mortality was higher in NAFLD compared to non-NAFLD (1.6% vs 0%, P < 0.001). There was an increased prevalence of portal vein thrombosis (3.2% vs 0%), acute kidney injury (24.2% vs 17.7%), sepsis (3.2% vs 1.6%), mechanical ventilation (3.2% vs 0%), and percutaneous cholecystostomy tube insertion (3.2% vs 1.6%) in NAFLD compared to non-NAFLD (P < 0.05). NAFLD also had a higher association with acute cholecystitis, with an odds ratio of 3.70 (95% CI [3.19-4.29], P < 0.001).

Conclusions

This study showed an association between NALFD and AC, resulting in increased length of stay, hospital charges, and inpatient mortality. Underlying NAFLD also increases acute complications of AC.

Gallstone and Gallbladder Disease: Biliary Tract and Cholangiopathies

Cholestatic liver diseases are named primarily due to the blockage of bile flow and buildup of bile acids in the liver. Cholestasis can occur in cholangiopathies, fatty liver diseases, and during COVID-19 infection. Most literature evaluates damage occurring to the intrahepatic biliary tree during cholestasis; however, there may be associations between liver damage and gallbladder damage. Gallbladder damage can manifest as acute or chronic inflammation, perforation, polyps, cancer, and most commonly gallstones. Considering the gallbladder is an extension of the intrahepatic biliary network, and both tissues are lined by biliary epithelial cells that share common mechanisms and properties, it is worth further evaluation to understand the association between bile duct and gallbladder damage. In this comprehensive article, we discuss background information of the biliary tree and gallbladder, from function, damage, and therapeutic approaches. We then discuss published findings that identify gallbladder disorders in various liver diseases. Lastly, we provide the clinical aspect of gallbladder disorders in liver diseases and ways to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for congruent diagnosis. © 2023 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 13:4909-4943, 2023.

Cholecystectomy and risk of liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 27 million individuals

BACKGROUND

There is still a lack of knowledge on the association between cholecystectomy and liver disease. This study was conducted to summarize the available evidence on the association of cholecystectomy with liver disease and quantify the magnitude of the risk of liver disease after cholecystectomy.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched systematically from database inception to January 2023 to identify eligible studies that evaluated the association between cholecystectomy and the risk of liver disease. Meta-analysis was conducted to obtain a summary odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

We identified 20 studies with a total of 27 320 709 individuals and 282 670 liver disease cases. Cholecystectomy was associated with an increased risk of liver disease (OR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.34-1.98). In particular, cholecystectomy was found to be significantly associated with a 54% increased risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.18-2.01), a 173% increased risk of cirrhosis (OR: 2.73, 95% CI: 1.81-4.12), and a 46% increased risk of primary liver cancer (OR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.18-1.82).

CONCLUSIONS

There is an association between cholecystectomy and the risk of liver disease. Our results suggest that strict surgical indications should be implemented to reduce unnecessary cholecystectomy. Additionally, the routine assessment of liver disease is necessary for patients with a history of cholecystectomy. More prospective large-sample studies are required for better estimates of the risk.

Temporal Trends, Predictors, and Outcomes of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation in Hospitalizations With Sepsis

Background

This retrospective study was conducted to analyze the temporal trends, predictors, and impact of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) on outcomes among septicemic patients using a nationally representative database.

Methods

We derived data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) for the years 2008-2017 for adult hospitalizations due to sepsis. The primary outcomes were in-hospital mortality and discharge to facility. The Cochran-Armitage test and multivariable survey logistic regression models were used to analyze the data.

Results

Out of 12,820,000 hospitalizations due to sepsis, 153,181 (1.18%) were complicated by DIC. The incidence of DIC decreased from 2008 to 2017. In multivariable regression analysis, demographics and comorbidities were associated with higher odds of DIC. During the study period, in-hospital mortality among patients with sepsis decreased, but the attributable risk percent of in-hospital mortality due to DIC increased. We observed similar trends for discharge to facility; however, the adjusted odds of discharge to facility due to DIC remained stable over the study period.

Conclusion

Although the incidence of sepsis complicated by DIC decreased, the attributable in-hospital mortality rate due to DIC increased during the study period. We identified several predictors associated with the development of DIC in sepsis, some of which are potentially modifiable.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Gallbladder Stones and Polyps in Liaoning, China

Objective

To investigate the incidence and risk factors of gallbladder stones and polyps in individuals undergoing physical examinations in Liaoning province, China.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of adults who underwent routine health examinations at Xikang Medical Center in Liaoning Province (Shenyang, Dandong, and Dalian) from 01/2016 to 12/2020. The routine health examination included anthropometry, blood tests, and liver ultrasound. Based on liver ultrasound results, patients were grouped into those with gallbladder stones, those with gallbladder polyps, those with both stones and polyps, and those with neither.

Results

Of the 284,129 included subjects, 6,537 (2.30%) were diagnosed with gallbladder stones, and 18,873 (6.64%) were diagnosed with gallbladder polyps. The overall prevalence in Liaoning province increased each year, peaking in 2020. The prevalence of gallbladder stones was higher among females than males (2.39% vs. 2.23%, respectively), while the prevalence of gallbladder polyps was higher among males. The gallbladder polyp group had higher BMI, FBG, SBP, DBP, TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, AST, ALP, GGT, BUN, Scr, SUA. Except for HDL-C, all factors were also higher in the gallbladder stone group. Patients with fatty liver had a higher prevalence of gallbladder stones and polyps than participants without fatty liver.

Conclusion

The prevalence of gallbladder stones and polyps in Liaoning varies by sex, economic status of the city of residence, BMI, and metabolic indicators.

Clostridium difficile Infection Hospitalizations in the United States: Insights From the 2017 National Inpatient Sample

Background

There is a paucity of contemporary national estimates for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) hospitalizations by age group, sex, and region in the US population. Also, there is lack of contemporary national statistics on CDI hospitalizations with comorbidities.

Methods

We analyzed the 2017 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) to determine the population-based rates of CDI hospitalizations, characteristics of hospitalizations with CDI, and the rates of comorbidities associated with CDI hospitalizations.

Results

There were 329,460 CDI-related hospitalizations in 2017 (almost 1% of all hospitalizations). The average age for patients admitted with CDI as a principal or secondary diagnosis was 64.7 years (almost 20 years older when compared with all other hospitalizations). Patients 85 years and older had the highest rate of CDI hospitalizations (716 per 100,000 hospitalizations), and patients less than 18 years of age had the lowest rate (12 per 100,000 hospitalizations). There was a progressive increase in the CDI hospitalization rates with each successive age group. The hospitalization rates were higher in females (114 per 100,000 hospitalizations) than males (88 per 100,000 hospitalizations). The CDI hospitalization rate was highest in the Northeast (109 per 100,000 hospitalizations) and lowest in the West (84 per 100,000 hospitalizations). Fluid and electrolyte disturbance (63.3%) and renal failure (33.4%) were the two most common comorbidities associated with CDI hospitalizations. When CDI is a secondary diagnosis, major loss of function, extreme likelihood of dying, septicemia, and septic shock were more common in comparison to CDI as a principal diagnosis.

Conclusions

CDI hospitalization rates were highest in the elderly over 85 years old and declined with successive decreases in age. Women had higher CDI hospitalization rates than men, and fluid and electrolyte disturbances and renal failure were the most common comorbid conditions. The presence of CDI as a comorbid condition at the time of hospitalization for other principal diagnoses or development of CDI during a hospitalization for other principal diagnoses significantly increases the risk of in-hospital morbidity and mortality.