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Dhanda A, Andrade J, Allende H, Allgar V, Bailey M, Callaghan L, Cocking L, Goodwin E, Hawton A, Hayward C, Hudson B, Ingram W, Jeffery A, King A, Lavers V, Lomax J, McCune CA, Musicha C, Parker R, Rollinson C, Wilks J, Creanor ES. Mental Imagery to Reduce Alcohol-related harm in patients with alcohol use disorder and alcohol-related liver damaGE: the MIRAGE randomised pilot trial results. BMJ Open Gastroenterol 2024; 11:e001267. [PMID: 38286518 PMCID: PMC10870787 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgast-2023-001267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The healthcare burden of alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) is increasing. ARLD and alcohol use disorder (AUD) is best managed by reduction or cessation of alcohol use, but effective treatments are lacking. We tested whether people with ARLD and AUD admitted to hospital could be recruited to and retained in a trial of Functional Imagery Training (FIT), a psychological therapy that uses mental imagery to reduce alcohol craving. We conducted a multicentre randomised pilot trial of treatment as usual (TAU) versus FIT+TAU in people admitted to hospital with ARLD and AUD. DESIGN Participants were randomised to TAU (a single session of brief intervention) or FIT+TAU (TAU with one hospital-based FIT session then eight telephone sessions over 6 months). Pilot outcomes included recruitment rate and retention at day 180. Secondary outcomes included fidelity of FIT delivery, alcohol use, and severity of alcohol dependence. RESULTS Fifty-four participants (mean age 49; 63% male) were recruited and randomised, 28 to TAU and 26 to FIT+TAU. The retention rate at day 180 was 43%. FIT was delivered adequately by most alcohol nurses. 50% of intervention participants completed FIT sessions 1 and 2. There were no differences in alcohol use or severity of alcohol dependence between treatment groups at day 180. CONCLUSION Participants with ARLD and AUD could be recruited to a trial of FIT versus FIT+TAU. However, retention at day 180 was suboptimal. Before conducting a definitive trial of FIT in this patient group, modifications in the intervention and recruitment/retention strategy must be tested. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN41353774.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwin Dhanda
- Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
- South West Liver Unit, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK
| | | | - Hannah Allende
- Research, Development and Innovation, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK
| | | | | | | | - Laura Cocking
- Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | | | - Annie Hawton
- Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | | | - Ben Hudson
- Royal Devon University Hospital Foundation NHS Trust, Exeter, UK
| | - Wendy Ingram
- Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | | | - Angela King
- Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | | | - Joe Lomax
- Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - C Anne McCune
- Department of Liver Medicine, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Richard Parker
- Leeds Liver Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Christopher Rollinson
- Research, Development and Innovation, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK
| | - Jonny Wilks
- Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
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Dhanda AD, Allende H, Allgar V, Andrade J, Bailey MP, Callaghan L, Cocking L, Goodwin E, Hawton A, Hayward C, Hudson B, Jeffery A, King A, Lavers V, Lomax J, McCune CA, Parker R, Rollinson C, Wilks J, Creanor ES. Mental Imagery to Reduce Alcohol-related harm in patients with alcohol dependence and alcohol-related liver damaGE: the MIRAGE pilot trial protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e060498. [PMID: 35584873 PMCID: PMC9119183 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-060498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the UK, alcohol use is the main driver of chronic liver disease and each year results in over 1 million unplanned hospital admissions and over 25 000 deaths from alcohol-related liver disease (ArLD). The only effective treatment to prevent progression of liver damage is reducing or ceasing alcohol consumption. Psychological and pharmacological therapies for alcohol misuse are ineffective in patients with ArLD. Functional imagery training (FIT) is a novel psychological therapy that builds on motivational interviewing techniques with multisensory imagery. This pilot trial aims to test the feasibility of training alcohol liaison nurses to deliver FIT therapy and of recruiting and retaining patients with ArLD and alcohol dependence to a randomised trial of FIT and treatment as usual (TAU) versus TAU alone. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a randomised pilot trial of FIT and TAU versus TAU alone in 90 patients with ArLD and alcohol dependence admitted to one of four UK centres. The primary objectives are to estimate rates of screening, recruitment, randomisation, retention, adherence to FIT/TAU and a preliminary assessment of the FIT intervention in the ArLD population. Data from the pilot study will be used to finalise the design of a definitive randomised controlled trial to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of FIT. The proposed primary outcome measure for the definitive trial is self-reported alcohol use assessed using timeline follow-back. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Research ethics approval was given by the Yorkshire and Humber-Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee (reference: 21/YH/0044). Eligible patients will be approached and written informed consent obtained prior to participation. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed open access journals, international conferences and a lay summary published on the Trials Unit website and made available to patient groups. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN41353774.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwin D Dhanda
- South West Liver Unit, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK
- Peninsula Medical School, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Hannah Allende
- Research, Development and Innovation, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK
| | - Victoria Allgar
- Peninsula Clinical Trials Unit, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Jackie Andrade
- School of Psychology, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | | | - Lynne Callaghan
- NIHR Peninsula ARC (PenARC), Peninsula Medical School, Plymouth, UK
| | - Laura Cocking
- Peninsula Clinical Trials Unit, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Elizabeth Goodwin
- Health Economics Group, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Annie Hawton
- Health Economics Group, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | | | - Ben Hudson
- Department of Hepatology, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK
| | - Alison Jeffery
- Peninsula Clinical Trials Unit, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Angela King
- Peninsula Clinical Trials Unit, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | | | - Joe Lomax
- Peninsula Clinical Trials Unit, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - C Anne McCune
- Department of Liver Medicine, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Richard Parker
- Liver Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Christopher Rollinson
- Research, Development and Innovation, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK
| | - Jonny Wilks
- Peninsula Clinical Trials Unit, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
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Parker R, Cabezas J, Altamirano J, Arab JP, Ventura-Cots M, Sinha A, Dhanda A, Arrese M, McCune CA, Rowe IA, Schnabl B, Mathurin P, Shawcross D, Abraldes JG, Lucey MR, Garcia-Tsao G, Verna E, Brown RS, Bosques-Padilla F, Vargas V, Louvet A, Holt AP, Bataller R. Trajectory of Serum Bilirubin Predicts Spontaneous Recovery in a Real-World Cohort of Patients With Alcoholic Hepatitis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 20:e289-e297. [PMID: 33516950 PMCID: PMC9188123 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2021.01.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is a severe condition with poor short-term prognosis. Specific treatment with corticosteroids slightly improves short-term survival but is associated with infection and is not used in many centers. A reliable method to identify patients who will recover spontaneously will minimise the numbers of patients who experience side effects of available treatments. METHODS We analysed the trajectory of serum bilirubin concentration over the course of hospital admissions in patients with AH to predict spontaneous survival and the need for treatment. RESULTS data from 426 patients were analysed. Based on bilirubin trajectory, patients were categorized into three groups: 'fast fallers' (bilirubin <0.8 x admission value at day 7), 'static' (bilirubin of >0.9 - <1.2 x admission value) and 'rapid risers' (bilirubin of ≥1.2 x admission bilirubin). Fast fallers had significantly better 90-day survival compared to other groups (log rank p < .001), and showed no benefit of corticosteroid therapy (OR for survival at 28 days of treatment, 0.94, 95% CI 0.06 - 8.41). These findings remained even amongst patients with severe disease based on initial DF, GAHS or MELD scores. CONCLUSIONS We present an intuitive method of classifying patients with AH based on the trajectory of bilirubin over the first week of admission. It is complimentary to existing scores that identify candidates for corticosteroid treatment or assess response to treatment. This method identifies a group of patients with AH who recover spontaneously and can avoid corticosteroid therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Parker
- Leeds Liver Unit, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom.
| | - Joaquin Cabezas
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Marques de Valdecilla, Valdecilla Research Institute, Santander, Spain; Liver Center, Departments of Medicine and Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jose Altamirano
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Quirónsalud, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Pablo Arab
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Meritxell Ventura-Cots
- Center for Liver Diseases, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Ashish Sinha
- Department of Liver Medicine, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Ashwin Dhanda
- Institute of Translational and Stratified Medicine, Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Arrese
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración, Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - C Anne McCune
- Department of Liver Medicine, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Ian A Rowe
- Leeds Liver Unit, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Bernd Schnabl
- Department of Medicine, VA San Diego Healthcare System, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Phillipe Mathurin
- Service des Maladies de l'Appareil Digestif et Unité, French Institute of Health and Medical Research, Hôpital Huriez, Lille, France
| | - Debbie Shawcross
- Liver Sciences, Dept of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Juan G Abraldes
- Cirrhosis Care Clinic, Division of Gastroenterology (Liver Unit), Centre of Excellence Gastrointestinal Inflammation and Immunity Research, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Michael R Lucey
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Guadalupe Garcia-Tsao
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut; Section of Digestive Diseases, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
| | - Elizabeth Verna
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Robert S Brown
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | | | - Victor Vargas
- Liver Unit, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma Barcelona, CIBEREHD, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alexandre Louvet
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Andrew P Holt
- Liver and Hepatobiliary Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ramon Bataller
- Center for Liver Diseases, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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de Graaf KL, Lapeyre G, Guilhot F, Ferlin W, Curbishley SM, Carbone M, Richardson P, Moreea S, McCune CA, Ryder SD, Chapman RW, Floreani A, Jones DE, de Min C, Adams DH, Invernizzi P. NI-0801, an anti-chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 10 antibody, in patients with primary biliary cholangitis and an incomplete response to ursodeoxycholic acid. Hepatol Commun 2018; 2:492-503. [PMID: 29761166 PMCID: PMC5944576 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Revised: 02/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
NI-0801 is a fully human monoclonal antibody against chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 10 (CXCL10), which is involved in the recruitment of inflammatory T cells into the liver. The safety and efficacy of NI-0801 was assessed in patients with primary biliary cholangitis. In this open-label phase 2a study, patients with primary biliary cholangitis with an inadequate response to ursodeoxycholic acid received six consecutive intravenous administrations of NI-0801 (10 mg/kg) every 2 weeks. Patients were followed up for 3 months after the last infusion. Liver function tests, safety assessments, as well as pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters were evaluated at different time points throughout the dosing period and the safety follow-up period. Twenty-nine patients were enrolled in the study and were treated with NI-0801. The most frequently reported adverse events included headaches (52%), pruritus (34%), fatigue (24%), and diarrhea (21%). No study drug-related serious adverse events were reported. NI-0801 administration did not lead to a significant reduction in any of the liver function tests assessed at the end of the treatment period (i.e., 2 weeks after final NI-0801 administration) compared to baseline. Conclusion: Despite clear pharmacologic responses in the blood, no therapeutic benefit of multiple administrations of NI-0801 could be demonstrated. The high production rate of CXCL10 makes it difficult to achieve drug levels that lead to sustained neutralization of the chemokine, thus limiting its targetability. (Hepatology Communications 2018;2:492-503).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Stuart M. Curbishley
- Centre for Liver ResearchUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research CentreBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Marco Carbone
- Division of Gastroenterology and Program for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, International Center for Digestive Health, Department of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of Milan‐BicoccaMilanItaly
| | - Paul Richardson
- Royal Liverpool University National Health Service TrustLiverpoolUnited Kingdom
| | - Sulleman Moreea
- Department of GastroenterologyBradford Teaching Hospitals National Health Service Foundation TrustBradfordUnited Kingdom
| | - C. Anne McCune
- Department of HepatologyBristol Royal InfirmaryBristolUnited Kingdom
| | - Stephen D. Ryder
- NIHR Biomedical Research Unit in Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases at Nottingham University Hospitals National Health Service Trust and The University of NottinghamNottinghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Roger W. Chapman
- Translational Gastroenterology UnitJohn Radcliffe HospitalOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Annarosa Floreani
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and GastroenterologyUniversity of PaduaPaduaItaly
| | - David E. Jones
- NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre and the Institute of Cellular MedicineNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUnited Kingdom
| | | | - David H. Adams
- Centre for Liver ResearchUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research CentreBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Pietro Invernizzi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Program for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, International Center for Digestive Health, Department of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of Milan‐BicoccaMilanItaly
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Hudson BE, Ameneshoa K, Gopfert A, Goddard R, Forbes K, Verne J, Collins P, Gordon F, Portal AJ, Reid C, McCune CA. Integration of palliative and supportive care in the management of advanced liver disease: development and evaluation of a prognostic screening tool and supportive care intervention. Frontline Gastroenterol 2017; 8:45-52. [PMID: 28839884 PMCID: PMC5369436 DOI: 10.1136/flgastro-2016-100734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Patients with decompensated cirrhosis rarely receive palliative and supportive care interventions, which are routine in other life-limiting diseases. We aimed to design and evaluate a prognostic screening tool to routinely identify inpatients with decompensated cirrhosis at high risk of dying over the coming year, alongside the development of a supportive care intervention. DESIGN Clinical notes from consecutive patients admitted as an emergency to University Hospitals Bristol with a diagnosis of cirrhosis over two distinct 90-day periods were scrutinised retrospectively for the presence or absence of five evidence-based factors associated with poor prognosis. These were analysed against their ability to predict mortality at 1 year. 'Plan-Do-Study-Act' (PDSA) methodology was used to incorporate poor-prognosis screening into the routine assessment of patients admitted with cirrhosis, and develop a supportive care intervention. RESULTS 73 admissions were scrutinised (79.5% male, 63% alcohol-related liver disease, median age 54). The presence of three or more poor-prognosis criteria at admission predicted 1-year mortality with sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of 72.2%, 83.8% and 81.3%, respectively, and was used as a trigger for implementing the supportive care intervention. Following modification from six PDSA cycles, prognostic screening was integrated into the assessment of all patients admitted with decompensated cirrhosis, with the supportive care intervention (developed simultaneously) instigated for appropriate patients. CONCLUSIONS We describe a model of care which identifies inpatients with cirrhosis at significant risk of dying over the coming year, and describe development of a supportive care intervention, which can be offered to suitable patients in parallel to ongoing active management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin E Hudson
- Department of Hepatology, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK,School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Kelly Ameneshoa
- Department of Hepatology, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Anya Gopfert
- Department of Hepatology, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Rachael Goddard
- Department of Hepatology, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Karen Forbes
- School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK,Department of Palliative Medicine, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Julia Verne
- Public Health England South Region, Bristol, UK
| | - Peter Collins
- Department of Hepatology, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Fiona Gordon
- Department of Hepatology, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Andrew J Portal
- Department of Hepatology, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Colette Reid
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - C Anne McCune
- Department of Hepatology, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
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Dhanda AD, di Mambro AJ, Hunt VL, McCune CA, Dayan CM, Dick AD, Lee RWJ, Collins PL. Long-term outcome in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis can be reliably determined using an in vitro measure of steroid sensitivity. Hepatology 2015; 61:1099. [PMID: 24811769 DOI: 10.1002/hep.27211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Revised: 04/18/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ashwin D Dhanda
- School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; Department of Liver Medicine, University Hospitals Bristol, NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
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Abstract
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is increasing in incidence in the UK. It is the commonest cause of liver-related deaths, predominantly in people below the age of 60. Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is an acute form of ALD with high mortality when severe. Jaundice and coagulopathy are clinical hallmarks of severe AH. Histology findings are characterised by parenchymal inflammation and hepatocellular damage although biopsy is only required when diagnostic uncertainty exists; clinical findings are usually sufficient for accurate diagnosis. Patients with AH should be stratified as non-severe or severe using non-invasive scoring systems such as the discriminant function or the Glasgow Alcoholic Hepatitis Score. In patients with non-severe AH, abstinence is the mainstay of treatment, and it is important that steps are taken to help patients stop drinking. Severe AH requires specialist treatment. Consensus guidelines recommend the use of prednisolone although this remains subject to clinical trials. Pentoxifylline may have a survival benefit if corticosteroids are contraindicated. Nutritional support and N-acetylcysteine should be considered for use in conjunction with corticosteroids although evidence of benefit is not conclusive. Patients with severe disease who do not respond to therapy within a week have a very poor outcome. Recent data have shown a survival benefit of liver transplantation in this group although this remains experimental at present. Current and future research should focus on targeted therapies for severe AH and those who fail first-line treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Parker
- NIHR Centre for Liver Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK,Liver Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - C A McCune
- Department of Liver Medicine, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
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Dhanda AD, Collins PL, McCune CA. Is liver biopsy necessary in the management of alcoholic hepatitis? World J Gastroenterol 2013; 19:7825-7829. [PMID: 24307775 PMCID: PMC3848129 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i44.7825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2013] [Revised: 07/23/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute alcoholic hepatitis (AAH) is characterised by deep jaundice in patients with a history of heavy alcohol use, which can progress to liver failure. A clinical diagnosis of AAH can be challenging to make in patients without a clear alcohol history or in the presence of risk factors for other causes of acute liver failure. Other causes of acute on chronic liver failure such as sepsis or variceal haemorrhage should be considered. Liver biopsy remains the only reliable method to make an accurate diagnosis. However, there is controversy surrounding the use of liver biopsy in patients with AAH because of the risks of performing a percutaneous biopsy and limitations in access to transjugular biopsy. We review the existing literature and find there are few studies directly comparing clinical and histological diagnosis of AAH. In the small number of studies that have been conducted the correlation between a clinical and histological diagnosis of AAH is poor. Due to this lack of agreement together with difficulties in accessing transjugular liver biopsy outside tertiary referral centres and research institutions, we cannot advocate universal biopsy for AAH but there remains a definite role for liver biopsy where there is clinical diagnostic doubt or dual pathology. It also adds value in a clinical trial context to ensure a homogeneous trial population and to further our understanding of the disease pathology. Further prospective studies are required to determine whether non-invasive markers can be used to accurately diagnose AAH.
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Dhanda AD, Lee RWL, Collins PL, McCune CA. Molecular targets in the treatment of alcoholic hepatitis. World J Gastroenterol 2012; 18:5504-13. [PMID: 23112542 PMCID: PMC3482636 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i39.5504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2012] [Revised: 07/26/2012] [Accepted: 07/29/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol related costs to health and society are high. One of the most serious complications of alcohol misuse to the individual is the development of alcoholic hepatitis (AH), a clinical syndrome of jaundice and progressive inflammatory liver injury in patients with a history of recent heavy alcohol use. It has a poor outcome and few existing successful therapies. The use of glucocorticoids in patients with severe AH is still controversial and there remains a group of patients with glucocorticoid-resistant disease. However, as our understanding of the pathogenesis of the condition improves there are opportunities to develop new targeted therapies with specific actions to control liver inflammation without having a detrimental effect on the immune system as a whole. In this article we review the molecular mechanisms of AH concentrating on the activation of the innate and adaptive immune response. We consider existing treatments including glucocorticoids, anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy and pentoxifylline and their limitations. Using our knowledge of the disease pathogenesis we discuss possible novel therapeutic approaches. New targets include pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-17, chemokines and their receptors (for example IL-8, CXCL9 and CXCR3) and augmentation of anti-inflammatory molecules such as IL-10 and IL-22. And there is also future potential to consider combination therapy to selectively modulate the immune response and gain control of disease.
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McCune CA. Sex, drugs, and "heavy metal": does diet also matter in the clinical expression of hereditary hemochromatosis? Mayo Clin Proc 2008; 83:526-8. [PMID: 18452680 DOI: 10.4065/83.5.526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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McCune CA, Ravine D, Carter K, Jackson HA, Hutton D, Hedderich J, Krawczak M, Worwood M. Iron loading and morbidity among relatives of HFE C282Y homozygotes identified either by population genetic testing or presenting as patients. Gut 2006; 55:554-62. [PMID: 16174659 PMCID: PMC1856156 DOI: 10.1136/gut.2005.070342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Although most cases of hereditary haemochromatosis are associated with homozygosity for the C282Y mutation of the HFE gene, clinical penetrance varies and other genes may modify disease expression. If so, relatives from clinically affected families, by inheriting such genes, may accumulate more iron. To seek evidence for this, we compared iron status and morbidity in unselected first degree relatives of two groups of index cases from South Wales, namely asymptomatic C282Y homozygotes identified by genetic screening of blood donors (n = 56) and C282Y homozygous haemochromatosis patients presenting clinically (n = 60). METHODS All participating relatives had a structured interview, clinical assessment, and laboratory investigations. Health related quality of life was measured (SF-36 version 2). RESULTS In total, 92% of 180 eligible first degree relatives were interviewed in the "screened" family group and 85% of 143 eligible relatives in the "patient" group. Of 59 relatives homozygous for C282Y, 76% of men and 32% of women had the "iron phenotype" (raised transferrin saturation and serum ferritin). Logistic regression modelling of the iron phenotype risk showed that 42% of the initial model deviance could be explained by homozygosity for C282Y, another 6% by lifestyle factors, and 6% by being male. Family group membership was not a significant risk factor. Morbidity and SF-36 scores did not differ significantly either between C282Y homozygotes and relatives lacking C282Y, or between C282Y homozygotes from the "screened" and "patient" groups. Serious morbidity (including cirrhosis) was low in both groups of relatives. CONCLUSIONS HFE C282Y homozygosity has a high penetrance for iron accumulation but a low clinical penetrance. Lack of excess morbidity among C282Y homozygous relatives of index cases who presented clinically suggests that residual unknown genetic or environmental factors do not greatly influence clinical outcome among C282Y homozygotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A McCune
- Bristol Royal Infirmary, Malborough St, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK.
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McCune CA, Worwood M. Unique genetic profile of hereditary haemochromatosis in Russians: High frequency of C282Y mutation in population, but not in patients. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2006; 36:329; author reply 330. [PMID: 16466945 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2006.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Abstract
Screening programmes for haemochromatosis that include follow-up identification of relatives are claimed to be cost effective. We assessed uptake of screening by first-degree relatives of two groups of index cases: people homozygous for the C282Y mutation ascertained by genetic screening of blood donors; and patients presenting clinically with haemochro matosis. Only 40 (24%) of 165 relatives of blood donors had been tested. By contrast, testing uptake in 121 relatives of patients diagnosed clinically was more than double that (53%), despite unstructured provision of genetic information. A substantial number of untested relatives had undiagnosed iron overload. Overall efficacy of population screening for haemochromatosis is undermined by these observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Anne McCune
- Department of Haematology, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, CF14 4XN, Cardiff, UK.
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Carter K, Bowen DJ, McCune CA, Worwood M. Haptoglobin type neither influences iron accumulation in normal subjects nor predicts clinical presentation in HFE C282Y haemochromatosis: phenotype and genotype analysis. Br J Haematol 2003; 122:326-32. [PMID: 12846904 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2141.2003.04436.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
In the UK, 90% of patients with hereditary haemochromatosis (HH) are homozygous for HFE C282Y, as are one in 150 people in the general population. However, only a minority of these will develop clinical haemochromatosis. Iron loss modifies iron accumulation but so may other genetic factors. Haptoglobin (Hp) exists as three major types (Hp 1-1, Hp 2-1 or Hp 2-2) and binds free plasma haemoglobin. In men, Hp 2-2 has been shown to be associated with increased macrophage iron accumulation and serum ferritin concentration. Furthermore, the frequency of Hp 2-2 was shown to be increased in patients with HH. We determined Hp types by phenotyping and genotyping 265 blood donor control subjects and 173 subjects who were homozygous for HFE C282Y. The latter group included 66 blood donors lacking clinical features suggestive of haemochromatosis and without a known family history, and 68 patients presenting clinically with haemochromatosis. Hp 2-2 frequencies did not differ in control subjects and C282Y homozygotes. Hp 2-2 was not a risk factor for disease development in HH. To investigate the relationship between iron accumulation and haptoglobin type, we determined transferrin saturation and serum ferritin concentration in 192 male, first-time blood donors aged 20-40 years who lacked both HFE C282Y and H63D. Transferrin saturation and serum ferritin concentrations did not vary with Hp type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kymberley Carter
- Department of Haematology, University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
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McCune CA, Al-Jader LN, May A, Hayes SL, Jackson HA, Worwood M. Hereditary haemochromatosis: only 1% of adult HFEC282Y homozygotes in South Wales have a clinical diagnosis of iron overload. Hum Genet 2002; 111:538-43. [PMID: 12436244 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-002-0824-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2002] [Accepted: 08/02/2002] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
In northern Europe, about 90% of patients with hereditary haemochromatosis (HH) are homozygous for a single mutation (C282Y) of the HFEgene and approximately 1 in 150 people in the general population carries this genotype. However, the clinical significance of HFE mutations remains uncertain, as is the proportion of people homozygous for C282Y who will develop clinical symptoms leading to a diagnosis of HH. A systematic review of patients with HH over a 2-year period within a defined UK region has revealed that only 1.2% of adult C282Y homozygotes have been diagnosed with iron overload and received treatment. In those in whom body iron load could be estimated, only 51% has more than 4 g iron (the diagnostic threshold for iron overload).
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Affiliation(s)
- C Anne McCune
- Department of Haematology, University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK.
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