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Hasan M, Bidargaddi N, Muller K, Ramachandran J, Narayana S, Wigg AJ. Integrating smart phone applications in the management of cirrhotic patients: A scoping review. JGH Open 2023; 7:826-831. [PMID: 38162857 PMCID: PMC10757474 DOI: 10.1002/jgh3.13021] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Background and Aim Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis is a significant cause of healthcare utilization and patient morbidity and mortality worldwide. Smartphone applications have high uptake in most communities and therefore have great potential to provide remote support solutions to this patient population. The aim of this scoping review was therefore to provide a comprehensive overview using narrative synthesis on the use of smartphone-application-based digital interventions in cirrhotic populations. Materials and Methods PRISMA guidelines were followed, with two independent researchers identifying 10 relevant studies. Patients studied were predominantly those with decompensated cirrhosis, and hepatic encephalopathy was the most common complication studied. Results Smartphones were the most common platform used, but training periods, prior to commencement of the study, were rarely offered. Patient engagement rates with the technology were reported only in three studies, but all reported high (>50%) rates of engagement. Only one study examined the clinical effects of their digital intervention, with a 38% reduction in readmission rate reported. Conclusion Overall, the use of smartphone apps in cirrhosis is in an early phase of development and evaluation but preliminary studies suggest significant potential as an adjunct to routine medical care. Further high-quality studies of well-designed digital interventions are needed to advance this promising early experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Hasan
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Medicine UnitSouthern Adelaide Local Health NetworkBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Niranjan Bidargaddi
- College of Medicine and Public HealthFlinders University of South AustraliaBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Kate Muller
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Medicine UnitSouthern Adelaide Local Health NetworkBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
- College of Medicine and Public HealthFlinders University of South AustraliaBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Jeyamani Ramachandran
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Medicine UnitSouthern Adelaide Local Health NetworkBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
- College of Medicine and Public HealthFlinders University of South AustraliaBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Sumudu Narayana
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Medicine UnitSouthern Adelaide Local Health NetworkBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Alan J Wigg
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Medicine UnitSouthern Adelaide Local Health NetworkBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
- College of Medicine and Public HealthFlinders University of South AustraliaBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
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Madigan S, Tashkent Y, Trehan S, Muller K, Wigg A, Woodman R, Ramachandran J. Acute on chronic liver failure: A South Australian experience. JGH Open 2023; 7:717-723. [PMID: 37908287 PMCID: PMC10615173 DOI: 10.1002/jgh3.12974] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Background and Aim Acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a clinical syndrome described in patients with acute decompensation (AD) of cirrhosis, characterized by organ failures and high mortality. Intensive management, including liver transplantation (LT), has been shown to improve survival. To address the limited Australian data on ACLF, we describe the prevalence, clinical profile, and outcome of ACLF in an Australian cohort of hospitalized patients. Methods A retrospective review of hepatology admissions in a tertiary hospital from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2019 identified AD and ACLF cohorts, as defined by the European Association for Study of the Liver definition. Patient characteristics, clinical course, survival at 28- and 90-day survival, and feasibility of LT were analyzed. Results Among the 192 admissions with AD, 74 admissions (39%) met ACLF criteria. A prior diagnosis of alcohol-related cirrhosis was highly prevalent in both cohorts. Grade-1 ACLF was the most frequent (60%), with renal failure being the commonest organ failure; 28-day (23% vs 2%, P = <0.001) and 90-day mortality (36% vs 16%, P = 0.002) were higher in ACLF than AD. Due to ongoing alcohol use disorder (AUD), only six patients underwent LT assessment during ACLF admission. Conclusion ACLF was common in our cohort of cirrhosis with AD and was associated with high mortality. AUD despite prior cirrhosis diagnosis was a barrier to LT. Prioritization of ACLF patients for LT after addressing AUD and relaxation of the 6-month abstinence rule may improve ACLF survival and should be addressed in prospective studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shauna Madigan
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyFlinders Medical CentreBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
- College of Medicine and Public HealthFlinders UniversityBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Yasmina Tashkent
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyFlinders Medical CentreBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
- College of Medicine and Public HealthFlinders UniversityBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Sharad Trehan
- Department of General MedicineFlinders Medical CentreBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Kate Muller
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyFlinders Medical CentreBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
- College of Medicine and Public HealthFlinders UniversityBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Alan Wigg
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyFlinders Medical CentreBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
- College of Medicine and Public HealthFlinders UniversityBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Richard Woodman
- College of Medicine and Public HealthFlinders UniversityBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Jeyamani Ramachandran
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyFlinders Medical CentreBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
- College of Medicine and Public HealthFlinders UniversityBedford ParkSouth AustraliaAustralia
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Narayana S, Nugent M, Woodman R, Larkin M, Ramachandran J, Muller K, Wigg A. Measuring quality of hepatitis B care in a remote Australian Aboriginal community: opportunities for improvement. Intern Med J 2022; 52:1347-1353. [PMID: 33979037 DOI: 10.1111/imj.15349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection remains a significant public health issue for Indigenous Australians, in particular for remote communities. AIM To evaluate the spectrum of hepatitis B virus (HBV) care provided to a remote Aboriginal community. Measures studied included screening, seroprevalence, vaccination rates and efficacy, and HCC risk and surveillance adherence. METHODS A retrospective audit of HBV care received by all permanent residents currently attending a remote Aboriginal Health service. This study was endorsed by both the local Aboriginal Health service and the Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia. RESULTS A total of 208 patients attended the clinic, of whom 52% (109) were screened for HBV. Of these, 12% (13) had CHB and 20% (22) had evidence of past infection. Similarly, of the 208 attending patients, complete vaccination was documented in 48% (99). Of the 33 patients with post-vaccination serology, 24% (8) had subtherapeutic (<10 IU/mL) levels of HBsAb. Subtherapeutic HBsAb was independently associated with higher Charlson Comorbidity scores (odds ratio = 17.1; 95% confidence interval 1.2-243.3; P = 0.036). Definitive breakthrough infection was identified in 6% (2) patients. One HBsAg positive patient was identified as needing HCC surveillance, but had not undertaken HCC surveillance. CONCLUSION Opportunities to improve the quality of CHB care through increased HBV vaccination, screening and adherence to HCC surveillance were identified. High rates of subtherapeutic vaccine responses and documented breakthrough infection raises concerns about the effectiveness of current CHB vaccines in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumudu Narayana
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Medicine Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Michael Nugent
- Tullawon Health Service, Yalata, South Australia, Australia
| | - Richard Woodman
- Flinders Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Michael Larkin
- Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jeyamani Ramachandran
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Medicine Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kate Muller
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Medicine Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Alan Wigg
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Medicine Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Narayana S, Nugent M, Woodman R, Larkin M, Ramachandran J, Muller K, Wigg A. Author reply. Intern Med J 2022; 52:1458. [PMID: 35973962 DOI: 10.1111/imj.15841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sumudu Narayana
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Medicine Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Michael Nugent
- Tullawon Health Service, Yalata, South Australia, Australia
| | - Richard Woodman
- Flinders Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Michael Larkin
- Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jeyamani Ramachandran
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Medicine Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kate Muller
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Medicine Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Alan Wigg
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Medicine Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Mohammadi F, Ramachandran J, Woodman R, Muller K, John L, Chen J, Wigg A. Impact of cardiac dysfunction on morbidity and mortality in liver transplant candidates. Clin Transplant 2022; 36:e14682. [PMID: 35441375 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.14682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The prognostic role of cardiac dysfunction in cirrhotic patients is increasingly recognised. We studied its impact on morbidity and mortality before and after liver transplantation (LT) including development of post-transplant cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this retrospective study, cirrhotic patients who underwent LT assessment from January 2010 to December 2020 were reviewed. Demographics, cardiac investigations and clinical course were analysed to identify prevalence of cardiac dysfunction and its role in LT outcomes. Survival analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazard regression modelling, with LT as a time-varying covariate and as an interaction variable with cardiac dysfunction. 308 patients (70% male) were studied. The median (interquartile range) age at LT assessment was 56 (12) years. Cardiac dysfunction was found in 178 (58%) patients (diastolic, 169; systolic, 26; both, 17) and was significantly associated with hepatorenal syndrome/acute kidney injury and peri- and post-transplant morbidity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.94, 95%CI 1.06-3.52, p < 0.001; aOR 2.01, 95%CI 1.06-3.82, p = 0.033; aOR 1.9, 95%CI 1.01-3.65, p = 0.023, respectively). Cardiac dysfunction was not associated with mortality before (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.01, 95% CI 0.99-1.01) or after LT (aHR 0.74, 95% CI 0.4-1.05. Post-transplant CVD (61% cardiac failure) occurred in 36 patients and there was no significant association with cardiac dysfunction (p = 0.11). Cardiac dysfunction was common in LT candidates and was significantly associated with morbidity before and after LT. Studies on the role of advanced echocardiographic parameters to improve diagnosis of cardiac dysfunction and optimise LT outcomes are needed. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadak Mohammadi
- Hepatology Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, South Australia, Australia.,College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia.,South Australian Liver Transplant Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jeyamani Ramachandran
- Hepatology Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, South Australia, Australia.,College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia.,South Australian Liver Transplant Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, South Australia, Australia
| | - Richard Woodman
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kate Muller
- Hepatology Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, South Australia, Australia.,College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia.,South Australian Liver Transplant Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, South Australia, Australia
| | - Libby John
- South Australian Liver Transplant Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, South Australia, Australia
| | - John Chen
- South Australian Liver Transplant Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, South Australia, Australia
| | - Alan Wigg
- Hepatology Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, South Australia, Australia.,College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia.,South Australian Liver Transplant Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, South Australia, Australia
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Ramachandran J, Pender P, Assad J, Wang A, Faour A, Leung D, Rajaratnam R, Mussap C, Juergens C, Lo S. Pericardiocentesis over 3 years at a tertiary referral Australian hospital. Eur Heart J 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehab849.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.
Background
Pericardiocentesis is a lifesaving intervention performed both percutaneously or surgically. We analysed 3 years of experience in a major tertiary hospital in Sydney Australia.
Purpose
To examine the indications, safety and delivery of a pericardiocentesis service at a major teaching hospital.
Methods
We retrospectively audited consecutive patients who underwent pericardiocentesis for pericardial effusion[PE] at a major teaching hospital from February 2018 to December 2020. Eligible patients were identified from the electronic medical records with this coding diagnosis.
Results
89 patients identified with mean age 60.8 ± 18.9years and 58.4%(51/89) male. Follow-up to August 2021 showed 41.5% had died, with an index hospitalisation mortality of 19%(17/89). Malignancy was the most common aetiology 30.3%(27/89) and attributable cause of hospitalisation death in 29.4%. Alternate causes included pericarditis 14.6%, idiopathic 13.4%, percutaneous-coronary-intervention(PCI) 5.6%(6/89) and electrophysiology 4.5%(4/89) complications. Three patients had aortic dissection (3.3%) and two were fatal. Clinical tamponade was present in 66.2%(55/89), PE identification occurred via echocardiography(TTE) in 55% cases (49/89) and incidental CT-diagnosis in 20.2%. TTE findings: right atrial collapse 54%(47/87), right ventricular collapse 60.9%(53/87), fixed and dilated inferior vena cava 64.7%. Pericardiocentesis was performed by cardiology trainees in 90.5% cases, 64.5% with consultant supervision and during working hours in 57.3% of cases. Percutaneous drainage was successful in 96%(72/75) of cases and was performed in the coronary care unit (30.3%), catheterisation laboratory (23.5%), emergency department (19.1%) and ICU (11.2%). Subxiphoid approach in 70%(62/89) was the most common then trans-apical 15%(13/89), parasternal 3%(3/89) and surgical 16%(14/89). TTE confirmed drain position in 76%(54/71), fluoroscopy in 28.5%(6/21) and agitated saline in 38.9%(30/77). Haemo-serous fluid noted in 77%(67/87) with average initial fluid drainage 480 ± 326mls and mean drain removal time 54 ± 33hrs. 17%(15/89) required re-drainage with adenocarcinoma found in 33.3%(5/15). Background antiplatelet treatment in 30.6%(27/88) and of these 67%(18/27) were on dual antiplatelets. 33%(29/89) patients were anticoagulated and 31.3%(9/29) required reversal prior to drainage. Complications were rare, 4%(3/75) had right heart chamber perforation needing emergency surgery. Two were post complex PCI (one died during admission from multiorgan failure) and one with pericarditis .
Conclusions
Pericardiocentesis is a safe and effective procedure for tamponade treatment and largely guided by echocardiography in our experience. Complications are rare and prognosis depends on aetiology with malignancy the most common. Drainage is often successfully performed emergently where the patient is located. Tamponade resulting from procedural complications are rare in our cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - P Pender
- Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - J Assad
- Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - A Wang
- Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - A Faour
- Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - D Leung
- Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - C Mussap
- Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - S Lo
- Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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Kimber JS, Woodman RJ, Narayana SK, John L, Ramachandran J, Schembri D, Chen JWC, Muller KR, Wigg AJ. Association of physiological reserve measures with adverse outcomes following liver transplantation. JGH Open 2022; 6:132-138. [PMID: 35155823 PMCID: PMC8829098 DOI: 10.1002/jgh3.12702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background and Aim The comparative utility of physiological reserve measures in predicting important clinical outcomes following liver transplantation (LT) requires further study. The aim of this work was therefore to compare the utility of physiological reserve measures in predicting early adverse clinical outcomes post‐LT. Methods A single‐center, retrospective cohort study of LT patients consecutively recruited between 1 January 2015, and 31 August 2020. Outcomes measured were sepsis and death within 12 months of LT, hospital length of stay (LOS), and intensive care LOS. Physiological reserve measures were handgrip strength, mid‐arm muscle circumference, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) measures. Analysis was performed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression for sepsis and death, and univariate and multivariate Cox regression for hospital and intensive care LOS. Results Data were obtained for 109 subjects. Patients were predominantly (64%) male with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of 57 (49–63) and median (IQR) Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score of 16 (11–21). In multivariate analysis, the odds of sepsis were lower in patients in the highest versus lowest tertile (odds ratio = 0.004; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.00–0.13; P = 0.002). Hospital LOS was linearly associated with handgrip strength (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.03; 95% CI 1.00–1.06; P = 0.03) in multivariate analysis. Intensive care LOS was associated with peak VO2 (HR 1.83; 95% CI 1.06–3.16; P = 0.03) and VE/VCO2 slope (HR 0.71; 95% CI 0.58–0.88; P = 0.002) in multivariate analysis. Conclusion Handgrip strength and CPET both identify candidates at high risk of adverse outcomes after LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Kimber
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Richard J Woodman
- College of Medicine and Public Health Flinders University of South Australia Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Sumudu K Narayana
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit Flinders Medical Centre Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Libby John
- South Australian Liver Transplant Unit Flinders Medical Centre Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Jeyamani Ramachandran
- College of Medicine and Public Health Flinders University of South Australia Adelaide South Australia Australia
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit Flinders Medical Centre Adelaide South Australia Australia
- South Australian Liver Transplant Unit Flinders Medical Centre Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - David Schembri
- Respiratory Function Unit Flinders Medical Centre Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - John W C Chen
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit Flinders Medical Centre Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Kate R Muller
- College of Medicine and Public Health Flinders University of South Australia Adelaide South Australia Australia
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit Flinders Medical Centre Adelaide South Australia Australia
- South Australian Liver Transplant Unit Flinders Medical Centre Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Alan J Wigg
- College of Medicine and Public Health Flinders University of South Australia Adelaide South Australia Australia
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit Flinders Medical Centre Adelaide South Australia Australia
- South Australian Liver Transplant Unit Flinders Medical Centre Adelaide South Australia Australia
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Ramachandran J, Lawn S, Tang MSS, Pati A, Wigg L, Wundke R, McCormick R, Muller K, Kaambwa B, Woodman R, Wigg A. Nurse Led Clinics; a Novel Model of Care for Compensated Liver Cirrhosis: A Qualitative Analysis. Gastroenterol Nurs 2022; 45:29-42. [PMID: 34369404 DOI: 10.1097/sga.0000000000000620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A nurse-led cirrhosis clinic model for management of stable, compensated cirrhotic patients is practised in our unit since 2013, wherein these patients are reviewed every six months by specialist nurses in community clinics under remote supervision of hepatologists. We evaluated the experiences of patients and healthcare providers involved in the model to understand the acceptability, strengths, and limitations of the model and obtain suggestions to improve. A qualitative design using in-depth interviews was employed, followed by thematic analysis of eight patients, one attending physician both nurse and hospital clinics, four hepatologists, and three experienced specialist nurses running the nurse-led cirrhosis clinic. Patients expressed satisfaction and a good understanding of the nurse-led cirrhosis clinic, preferring it to hospital clinics for better accessibility and the unique nurse-patient relationship. Upskilling and provision of professional care in a holistic manner were appreciated by specialist nurses. The hepatologists expressed confidence and satisfaction, although they acknowledged the difference between the medical training of specialist nurses and hepatologists. The greater availability of hospital clinic time for sick patients was welcomed. Increased specialist nurse staffing, regular forums to promote specialist nurse learning, and formalization of the referral process were suggested. No adverse experiences were reported by patients or staff. The nurse-led cirrhosis clinic model for compensated liver cirrhosis was well received by patients, hepatologists, and specialist nurses. Wider implementation of the model could be considered after further investigations in other settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeyamani Ramachandran
- Jeyamani Ramachandran, PhD, MD, MBBS, DM, FRACP, is Consultant Hepatologist, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Sharon Lawn, PhD, is Professor, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Matilda Swee Sun Tang, MBBS, is an intern, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Anuradha Pati, SACE, is Second-Year Medical Student, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Luisa Wigg, IBDP, is Second-Year Medical Student, College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Douglas, Queensland, Australia
- Rachel Wundke, BNurs, is Clinical Practice Consultant, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Rosemary Mccormick, BNurs, is Clinical Practice Consultant, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Kate Muller, PhD, FRACP, is Consultant, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Billingsley Kaambwa, PhD, is Associate Professor and Head of Health Economics, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Richard Woodman, PhD, is Professor, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia
- Alan Wigg, PhD, FRACP, is Professor and Head, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Sharon Lawn
- Jeyamani Ramachandran, PhD, MD, MBBS, DM, FRACP, is Consultant Hepatologist, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Sharon Lawn, PhD, is Professor, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Matilda Swee Sun Tang, MBBS, is an intern, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Anuradha Pati, SACE, is Second-Year Medical Student, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Luisa Wigg, IBDP, is Second-Year Medical Student, College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Douglas, Queensland, Australia
- Rachel Wundke, BNurs, is Clinical Practice Consultant, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Rosemary Mccormick, BNurs, is Clinical Practice Consultant, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Kate Muller, PhD, FRACP, is Consultant, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Billingsley Kaambwa, PhD, is Associate Professor and Head of Health Economics, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Richard Woodman, PhD, is Professor, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia
- Alan Wigg, PhD, FRACP, is Professor and Head, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Matilda Swee Sun Tang
- Jeyamani Ramachandran, PhD, MD, MBBS, DM, FRACP, is Consultant Hepatologist, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Sharon Lawn, PhD, is Professor, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Matilda Swee Sun Tang, MBBS, is an intern, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Anuradha Pati, SACE, is Second-Year Medical Student, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Luisa Wigg, IBDP, is Second-Year Medical Student, College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Douglas, Queensland, Australia
- Rachel Wundke, BNurs, is Clinical Practice Consultant, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Rosemary Mccormick, BNurs, is Clinical Practice Consultant, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Kate Muller, PhD, FRACP, is Consultant, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Billingsley Kaambwa, PhD, is Associate Professor and Head of Health Economics, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Richard Woodman, PhD, is Professor, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia
- Alan Wigg, PhD, FRACP, is Professor and Head, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Anuradha Pati
- Jeyamani Ramachandran, PhD, MD, MBBS, DM, FRACP, is Consultant Hepatologist, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Sharon Lawn, PhD, is Professor, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Matilda Swee Sun Tang, MBBS, is an intern, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Anuradha Pati, SACE, is Second-Year Medical Student, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Luisa Wigg, IBDP, is Second-Year Medical Student, College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Douglas, Queensland, Australia
- Rachel Wundke, BNurs, is Clinical Practice Consultant, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Rosemary Mccormick, BNurs, is Clinical Practice Consultant, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Kate Muller, PhD, FRACP, is Consultant, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Billingsley Kaambwa, PhD, is Associate Professor and Head of Health Economics, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Richard Woodman, PhD, is Professor, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia
- Alan Wigg, PhD, FRACP, is Professor and Head, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Luisa Wigg
- Jeyamani Ramachandran, PhD, MD, MBBS, DM, FRACP, is Consultant Hepatologist, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Sharon Lawn, PhD, is Professor, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Matilda Swee Sun Tang, MBBS, is an intern, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Anuradha Pati, SACE, is Second-Year Medical Student, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Luisa Wigg, IBDP, is Second-Year Medical Student, College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Douglas, Queensland, Australia
- Rachel Wundke, BNurs, is Clinical Practice Consultant, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Rosemary Mccormick, BNurs, is Clinical Practice Consultant, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Kate Muller, PhD, FRACP, is Consultant, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Billingsley Kaambwa, PhD, is Associate Professor and Head of Health Economics, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Richard Woodman, PhD, is Professor, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia
- Alan Wigg, PhD, FRACP, is Professor and Head, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Rachel Wundke
- Jeyamani Ramachandran, PhD, MD, MBBS, DM, FRACP, is Consultant Hepatologist, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Sharon Lawn, PhD, is Professor, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Matilda Swee Sun Tang, MBBS, is an intern, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Anuradha Pati, SACE, is Second-Year Medical Student, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Luisa Wigg, IBDP, is Second-Year Medical Student, College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Douglas, Queensland, Australia
- Rachel Wundke, BNurs, is Clinical Practice Consultant, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Rosemary Mccormick, BNurs, is Clinical Practice Consultant, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Kate Muller, PhD, FRACP, is Consultant, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Billingsley Kaambwa, PhD, is Associate Professor and Head of Health Economics, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Richard Woodman, PhD, is Professor, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia
- Alan Wigg, PhD, FRACP, is Professor and Head, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Rosemary McCormick
- Jeyamani Ramachandran, PhD, MD, MBBS, DM, FRACP, is Consultant Hepatologist, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Sharon Lawn, PhD, is Professor, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Matilda Swee Sun Tang, MBBS, is an intern, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Anuradha Pati, SACE, is Second-Year Medical Student, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Luisa Wigg, IBDP, is Second-Year Medical Student, College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Douglas, Queensland, Australia
- Rachel Wundke, BNurs, is Clinical Practice Consultant, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Rosemary Mccormick, BNurs, is Clinical Practice Consultant, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Kate Muller, PhD, FRACP, is Consultant, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Billingsley Kaambwa, PhD, is Associate Professor and Head of Health Economics, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Richard Woodman, PhD, is Professor, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia
- Alan Wigg, PhD, FRACP, is Professor and Head, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kate Muller
- Jeyamani Ramachandran, PhD, MD, MBBS, DM, FRACP, is Consultant Hepatologist, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Sharon Lawn, PhD, is Professor, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Matilda Swee Sun Tang, MBBS, is an intern, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Anuradha Pati, SACE, is Second-Year Medical Student, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Luisa Wigg, IBDP, is Second-Year Medical Student, College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Douglas, Queensland, Australia
- Rachel Wundke, BNurs, is Clinical Practice Consultant, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Rosemary Mccormick, BNurs, is Clinical Practice Consultant, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Kate Muller, PhD, FRACP, is Consultant, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Billingsley Kaambwa, PhD, is Associate Professor and Head of Health Economics, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Richard Woodman, PhD, is Professor, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia
- Alan Wigg, PhD, FRACP, is Professor and Head, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Billingsley Kaambwa
- Jeyamani Ramachandran, PhD, MD, MBBS, DM, FRACP, is Consultant Hepatologist, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Sharon Lawn, PhD, is Professor, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Matilda Swee Sun Tang, MBBS, is an intern, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Anuradha Pati, SACE, is Second-Year Medical Student, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Luisa Wigg, IBDP, is Second-Year Medical Student, College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Douglas, Queensland, Australia
- Rachel Wundke, BNurs, is Clinical Practice Consultant, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Rosemary Mccormick, BNurs, is Clinical Practice Consultant, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Kate Muller, PhD, FRACP, is Consultant, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Billingsley Kaambwa, PhD, is Associate Professor and Head of Health Economics, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Richard Woodman, PhD, is Professor, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia
- Alan Wigg, PhD, FRACP, is Professor and Head, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Richard Woodman
- Jeyamani Ramachandran, PhD, MD, MBBS, DM, FRACP, is Consultant Hepatologist, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Sharon Lawn, PhD, is Professor, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Matilda Swee Sun Tang, MBBS, is an intern, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Anuradha Pati, SACE, is Second-Year Medical Student, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Luisa Wigg, IBDP, is Second-Year Medical Student, College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Douglas, Queensland, Australia
- Rachel Wundke, BNurs, is Clinical Practice Consultant, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Rosemary Mccormick, BNurs, is Clinical Practice Consultant, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Kate Muller, PhD, FRACP, is Consultant, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Billingsley Kaambwa, PhD, is Associate Professor and Head of Health Economics, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Richard Woodman, PhD, is Professor, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia
- Alan Wigg, PhD, FRACP, is Professor and Head, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Alan Wigg
- Jeyamani Ramachandran, PhD, MD, MBBS, DM, FRACP, is Consultant Hepatologist, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Sharon Lawn, PhD, is Professor, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Matilda Swee Sun Tang, MBBS, is an intern, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Anuradha Pati, SACE, is Second-Year Medical Student, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Luisa Wigg, IBDP, is Second-Year Medical Student, College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Douglas, Queensland, Australia
- Rachel Wundke, BNurs, is Clinical Practice Consultant, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Rosemary Mccormick, BNurs, is Clinical Practice Consultant, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Kate Muller, PhD, FRACP, is Consultant, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Billingsley Kaambwa, PhD, is Associate Professor and Head of Health Economics, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Richard Woodman, PhD, is Professor, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia
- Alan Wigg, PhD, FRACP, is Professor and Head, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
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9
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Bharath Kumar C, Goel A, Jaleel R, David D, Zachariah U, Ramachandran J, Eapen CE. Prevalence of Risk Factors for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Middle-Aged and Elderly Patients With Cryptogenic Cirrhosis. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2022; 12:492-502. [PMID: 35535099 PMCID: PMC9077180 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2021.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim of the study To study the prevalence of risk factors for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in middle-aged (40-59 years) and elderly patients (≥60 years) with cryptogenic cirrhosis as compared to those with hepatitis B or C virus (HBV or HCV) related cirrhosis. Methods and materials Between August 2013 and December 2014, cases (cryptogenic cirrhosis) and controls (HBV/HCV cirrhosis) above 40 years of age were prospectively recruited and assessed for the cause and prevalence of risk factors for NAFLD. Results One hundred eighteen cases (male-74%; age 55 (40-74) years; median (range); Child's class A:B:C-46:38:16) and 59 controls (male-80%; age 55.5 (40-69) years; Child's class A:B:C-56:30:14) were enrolled. Obesity (53% v/s 39%, P-0.081), diabetes mellitus (DM) (52% v/s 27%; P-0.002), family history of DM (30% v/s 13%; P-0.016), family history of Obesity (21% v/s 3.5%; P-0.002) and metabolic syndrome (65% v/s 44%; P-0.01) were more among cases than controls. Lifetime weight as obese was also longer in cases than in controls (5.9 ± 6.2 years v/s 3.2 ± 5.1 years, P-0.002). On subgroup analysis, in elderly age group, DM (55% v/s 17%, P-0.006), family history of DM (40% v/s 11%, P-0.025), metabolic syndrome (76% v/s 44%, P-0.017) and family history of obesity (19% v/s 0, P-0.047) were more common in cases as compared to controls, where as in the middle-age group, family history of obesity was the only significant factor (22% v/s 5%, P-0.025). Lifetime weight as obese was longer in cases than controls in both middle and elderly age groups. Conclusion Among middle-aged and elderly patients with cirrhosis, there was a higher prevalence of risk factors for NAFLD in those with cryptogenic cirrhosis, compared to those with HBV or HCV cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashish Goel
- Department of Hepatology, Division of GI Sciences, CMC Hospital, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rajeeb Jaleel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Division of GI Sciences, CMC Hospital, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Deepu David
- Department of Gastroenterology, Division of GI Sciences, CMC Hospital, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India,Address for correspondence: Department of Gastroenterology, Division of GI Sciences, CMC Hospital, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India. Tel.: +91 4162282148.
| | - Uday Zachariah
- Department of Hepatology, Division of GI Sciences, CMC Hospital, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jeyamani Ramachandran
- Department of Hepatology, Division of GI Sciences, CMC Hospital, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Chundamannil E. Eapen
- Department of Hepatology, Division of GI Sciences, CMC Hospital, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
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10
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Tandon B, Ramachandran J, Narayana S, Muller K, Pathi R, Wigg AJ. Outcomes of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedures: a 10-year experience. J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol 2021; 65:655-662. [PMID: 33687155 DOI: 10.1111/1754-9485.13168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPSS) is an effective modality in reducing portal pressure, and its current main indications are for the management of recurrent ascites and variceal bleeding. The demand and indications for TIPSS are growing. However, it is a complicated and technically demanding procedure with poorer outcomes associated with low volume centres. The aim of this study was, therefore, to review the outcomes of TIPSS at a 'low volume' single centre. Outcomes assessed included indications, safety, efficacy and survival. METHODS A retrospective study was undertaken of all patients who underwent a TIPSS procedure over 10 years at tertiary referral centre for complex liver disease and transplantation. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate actuarial survival and log-rank analysis was used to determine significant differences in survival. RESULTS Thirty-eight patients underwent the TIPSS procedure between January 2008 and December 2018. Technical, haemodynamic and clinical success were 95%, 92% and 92% respectively. Cumulative survival at one month, one year and five years were 86.8%, 72% and 44.7% respectively. Results achieved standards published in practice parameters to evaluate TIPSS safety and efficacy. CONCLUSION At a low volume centre, TIPSS usage was associated with high rates of technical, haemodynamic (HPVG reduction) and clinical success. Low volume should not be a contraindication to providing a TIPSS service; however, auditing outcomes and understanding specific institutional factors that influence quality are important requirements for low volume centres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhuwan Tandon
- Hepatology and Transplant Medicine Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jeyamani Ramachandran
- Hepatology and Transplant Medicine Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Sumudu Narayana
- Hepatology and Transplant Medicine Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kate Muller
- Hepatology and Transplant Medicine Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ramon Pathi
- Department of Radiology, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Alan J Wigg
- Hepatology and Transplant Medicine Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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11
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Femia G, Ramachandran J, Poon J, Hopkins A, Mussap C, Rajaratnam R, French J, Leung D, Lo S, Juergens C. The Impact of COVID-19 on ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction. Heart Lung Circ 2021. [PMCID: PMC8324111 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2021.06.507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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12
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Haridy J, Iyngkaran G, Nicoll A, Muller K, Wilson M, Wigg A, Ramachandran J, Nelson R, Bloom S, Sasadeusz J, Watkinson S, Colman A, Altus R, Tilley E, Stewart J, Hebbard G, Liew D, Tse E. Outcomes of community-based hepatitis C treatment by general practitioners and nurses in Australia via remote specialist consultation. Intern Med J 2020; 51:1927-1934. [PMID: 32892478 DOI: 10.1111/imj.15037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS A unique model of care was adopted in Australia following introduction of universal subsidised direct-acting antiviral (DAA) access in 2016 in order to encourage rapid scale-up of treatment. Community-based medical practitioners and integrated hepatitis nurses initiated DAA treatment with remote hepatitis specialist approval of the planned treatment without physical review. We aimed to evaluate outcomes of community-based treatment of hepatitis C (HCV) through this remote consultation process in the first 12 months of this model of care. METHODS A retrospective chart review of patients undergoing community-based HCV treatment from general practitioners and integrated hepatitis nurse consultants through the remote consultation model in three state jurisdictions in Australia from 1 March 2016 to 28 February 2017. RESULTS SVR12 was confirmed in 383/588 (65.1%) subjects intended for treatment with a median follow-up time of 12 months (IQR 9-14 months). The SVR12 test was not performed in 159/588 (27.0%) and 307/588 (52.2%) did not have liver biochemistry rechecked following treatment. Subjects who completed follow-up exhibited high SVR12 rates (383/392,97.7%). Nurse-led treatment was associated with higher confirmation of SVR12 (73.7% v 62.4%, p = 0.01) and liver biochemistry testing post treatment (57.5% v 45.0%, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Community-based management of HCV through remote specialist consultation may be an effective model of care. Failure to check SVR12, recheck liver biochemistry and appropriate surveillance in patients with cirrhosis may emerge as significant issues requiring further support, education and refinement of the model to maximise effectiveness of future elimination efforts. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Haridy
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology, Eastern Health, Box Hill, Australia
| | - Guru Iyngkaran
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Australia
| | - Amanda Nicoll
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology, Eastern Health, Box Hill, Australia.,Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kate Muller
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Mark Wilson
- Department of Gastroenterology, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, Australia
| | - Alan Wigg
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jeyamani Ramachandran
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Renjy Nelson
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Stephen Bloom
- Department of Gastroenterology, Eastern Health, Box Hill, Australia.,Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joseph Sasadeusz
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sally Watkinson
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anton Colman
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Rosalie Altus
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Emma Tilley
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Stewart
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Geoff Hebbard
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - Danny Liew
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Edmund Tse
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
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13
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Ramachandran J, Smith D, Woodman R, Muller K, Wundke R, McCormick R, Kaambwa B, Wigg A. Psychometric validation of the Partners in Health scale as a self-management tool in patients with liver cirrhosis. Intern Med J 2020; 51:2104-2110. [PMID: 32833278 DOI: 10.1111/imj.15031] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Liver cirrhosis is a chronic disease complicated by recurrent hospital admissions. Self-management skills could facilitate optimal disease management. At present there is no validated instrument for measuring self-management in these patients. Hence, we evaluated the internal reliability and construct validity of the Partners in Health (PIH) scale, a chronic condition self-management tool in cirrhotic patients. METHODS In this prospective cohort study, the PIH scale was administered to 133 consenting patients within a Chronic Liver Failure Program of a tertiary hospital from February 2017 to May 2018. A Bayesian confirmatory factor analysis was used to evaluate a priori four-factor structure. Omega coefficients and 95% credible intervals (CrI) were used to assess internal reliability. Known-group validity was assessed in patients receiving active case management (n = 60) versus those without (n = 73). RESULTS The mean (± standard deviation (SD)) age of the participants was 62 (±11) years. Model fit for the hypothesised model was adequate (posterior predictive P-value = 0.073) and all hypothesised factor loadings were substantial (>0.6) and significant (P < 0.001). Omega coefficients (95% CrI) for the PIH subscales of Knowledge, Partnership, Management and Coping were 0.88 (0.82-0.91), 0.68 (0.57-0.76), 0.92 (0.89-0.94) and 0.89 (0.85-0.92) respectively. The mean (±SD) overall PIH score was higher in patients receiving case management compared to those without case management (81 ± 12 vs 73 ± 17, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION The dimensionality, known-group validity and reliability of the PIH scale for measuring self-management in patients with liver cirrhosis were confirmed. Its clinical predictive value requires further assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeyamani Ramachandran
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,College of Medicine and Public health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - David Smith
- College of Medicine and Public health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Richard Woodman
- College of Medicine and Public health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kate Muller
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,College of Medicine and Public health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Rachel Wundke
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Rosemary McCormick
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Billingsley Kaambwa
- College of Medicine and Public health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Alan Wigg
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,College of Medicine and Public health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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14
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Ramachandran J, Woodman RJ, Muller KR, Wundke R, McCormick R, Kaambwa B, Wigg AJ. Validation of Knowledge Questionnaire for Patients With Liver Cirrhosis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 18:1867-1873.e1. [PMID: 31809918 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2019.11.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS There is no validated questionnaire to assess disease knowledge and self-management in patients with liver cirrhosis. We developed and validated a Cirrhosis Knowledge Questionnaire (CKQ). METHODS We created a preliminary CKQ comprising 10 questions relevant to self-management of cirrhosis, based on publications and clinical experiences. The CKQ was given to a pilot sample of 17 patients with decompensated cirrhosis to assess its face validity. In consultation with experts, we developed a second version of CKQ, comprising 14 multiple choice questions, and administered it to 116 patients with cirrhosis participating in a Chronic Liver Failure Program. The dimensionality of the construct was assessed using exploratory factor analysis and internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach's alpha. Known-group validity of the resulting instrument was assessed by comparing the performance of the CKQ in 69 patients with decompensated cirrhosis (mean age, 62 ± 13 years; 109 responses), with (n = 42) vs without (n = 67) case management. RESULTS A 3-factor model with 7 questions related to variceal bleeding, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy was considered the optimal dimensionality with excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.82). The mean knowledge score was higher in patients with case management (5.6 ± 1.1) than in patients without case management (4.3 ± 2.1) (P = .002). CONCLUSIONS We developed and validated a questionnaire with 7 questions on ascites, variceal bleeding, and hepatic encephalopathy to assess knowledge and self-management in patients with liver cirrhosis. Studies are needed to confirm its dimensionality and assess association of scores with patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeyamani Ramachandran
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Richard J Woodman
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kate R Muller
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Rachel Wundke
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Rosemary McCormick
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Billingsley Kaambwa
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Alan J Wigg
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Abstract
To investigate how firms engage in forward-looking action, we examined the processes by which a pioneering firm actively influenced the future of its industry over five decades. From our longitudinal field study, we generated a process model of strategy making that helps to explain how firms work to shape the future in some preferred fashion. Specifically, we describe our findings on shaping-oriented forward-looking strategy making in terms of “artificial evolution” processes—interventions by which a firm’s leaders challenge the status quo and leverage the internal ecology of the organization to nudge the evolution of the business landscape toward a preferred direction. This is distinct from the more conventional and commonly invoked natural selection processes that describe how firms adapt to markets or unintentionally shape them. These findings on strategy making as akin to artificial evolution complement and extend the traditional view of strategic management, which has historically focused on processes anchored in models of search and adaptation. Our findings also shed light on an exceptional mode of strategy making—one that goes beyond concerns of firm survival and competitive advantage, and tackles societal grand challenges. By accounting for constructivist, forward-looking dimensions of strategic agency, our findings also contribute to the microfoundations of strategic decision making and to organization theories, more generally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubha Patvardhan
- Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716
| | - J. Ramachandran
- Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, 560076 Bengaluru, India
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16
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Coller JK, Ramachandran J, John L, Tuke J, Wigg A, Doogue M. The impact of liver transplant recipient and donor genetic variability on tacrolimus exposure and transplant outcome. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2019; 85:2170-2175. [PMID: 31219197 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of recipient and donor genetic variability on dose-adjusted steady-state tacrolimus concentrations (Css ) and clinical outcomes 3 and 6 months after liver transplant. Twenty-nine recipients and matched donor blood samples were genotyped for 27 single nucleotide polymorphisms including CYP3A5*3 (rs776746), ABCB1 haplotype and immune genes. Associations between genetic variability and clinical parameters and Css and the occurrence of rejection and nephrotoxicity were analysed by multivariate and multinomial logistic regression modelling and Jonckheere-Terpstra tests examined the impact of combined donor/recipient CYP3A5 expression on Css . At 3 months post-transplant modelling revealed an association between tacrolimus Css and recipient CASP1 rs580523 genotype (P = 0.005), accounting for 52% Css variance. Jonckheere-Terpstra tests revealed that as combined donor/recipient CYP3A5 expression increased, Css decreased (P = 0.010 [3 months], 0.018 [6 months]). As this is the first report of CASP1 genetic variability influencing tacrolimus Css , further validation in larger cohorts is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet K Coller
- Discipline of Pharmacology, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jeyamani Ramachandran
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Medicine Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, Australia.,South Australian Liver Transplant Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, Australia
| | - Libby John
- South Australian Liver Transplant Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, Australia
| | - Jonathan Tuke
- School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence for Mathematical & Statistical Frontiers, School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Alan Wigg
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Medicine Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, Australia.,South Australian Liver Transplant Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, Australia
| | - Matthew Doogue
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
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17
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Ramachandran J, Hossain M, Hrycek C, Tse E, Muller KR, Woodman RJ, Kaambwa B, Wigg AJ. Coordinated care for patients with cirrhosis: fewer liver-related emergency admissions and improved survival. Med J Aust 2019; 209:301-305. [PMID: 30257622 DOI: 10.5694/mja17.01164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare the incidence of liver-related emergency admissions and survival of patients after hospitalisation for decompensated cirrhosis at two major hospitals, one applying a coordinated chronic disease management model (U1), the other standard care (U2); to examine predictors of mortality for these patients. DESIGN Retrospective observational cohort study. SETTING Two major tertiary hospitals in an Australian capital city. PARTICIPANTS Patients admitted with a diagnosis of decompensated cirrhosis during October 2013 - October 2014, identified on the basis of International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) codes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Incident rates of liver-related emergency admissions; survival (to 3 years). RESULTS Sixty-nine patients from U1 and 54 from U2 were eligible for inclusion; the median follow-up time was 530 days (range, 21-1105 days). The incidence of liver-related emergency admissions was lower for U1 (mean, 1.14 admissions per person-year; 95% CI, 0.95-1.36) than for U2 (mean, 1.55 admissions per person-year; 95% CI, 1.28-1.85; adjusted incidence rate ratio [U1 v U2], 0.52; 95% CI, 0.28-0.98; P = 0.042). The adjusted probabilities of transplantation-free survival at 3 years were 67.7% (U1) and 37.2% (U2) (P = 0.009). Independent predictors of reduced transplantation-free free survival were Charlson comorbidity index score (per point: hazard ratio [HR], 1.27; 95% CI, 1.05-1.54, P = 0.014), liver-related emergency admissions within 90 days of discharge (HR, 3.60; 95% CI, 1.87-6.92; P < 0.001), and unit (U2 v U1: HR, 2.54, 95% CI, 1.26-5.09; P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS A coordinated care model for managing patients with decompensated cirrhosis was associated with improved survival and fewer liver-related emergency admissions than standard care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Richard J Woodman
- Flinders Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA
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18
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Wigg AJ, Wundke R, McCormick R, Muller KR, Ramachandran J, Narayana SK, Woodman RJ. Efficacy of High-Dose, Rapid, Hepatitis A and B Vaccination Schedules in Patients With Cirrhosis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 17:1210-1212.e1. [PMID: 30144521 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2018.08.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 08/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Patients with cirrhosis have increased morbidity from hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections, and vaccination against these infections is an important standard of care.1,2 However, vaccination in patients with cirrhosis is hindered by immune dysfunction and there is limited high-quality literature available. The aim of this work therefore was to compare immune responses of standard dose (SD) with high-dose accelerated (HDA) vaccination in cirrhotic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan J Wigg
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Medicine Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Rachel Wundke
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Medicine Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Rosemary McCormick
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Medicine Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Kate R Muller
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Medicine Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jeyamani Ramachandran
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Medicine Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Sumudu K Narayana
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Medicine Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Richard J Woodman
- Flinders Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
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19
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Ramachandran J, Budd S, Slattery H, Muller K, Mohan T, Cowain T, Tilley E, Baas A, Wigg L, Alexander J, Woodman R, Kaambwa B, Wigg A. Hepatitis C virus infection in Australian psychiatric inpatients: A multicenter study of seroprevalence, risk factors and treatment experience. J Viral Hepat 2019; 26:609-612. [PMID: 30576038 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 08/11/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Screening and treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection were not prioritised in psychiatric patients due to adverse neuropsychiatric effects of interferon therapy despite reports of high prevalence. However, with the safe new antiviral drugs, HCV eradication has become a reality in these patients. The aim of this study was to report HCV seroprevalence, risk factors and treatment model in an Australian cohort. This prospective study involved patients admitted to four inpatient psychiatric units, from December 2016 to December 2017. After pretest counselling and consent, HCV testing was done; information on risk factors collected. A total of 260 patients (70% male), median age 44 years (IQR 24), were studied. The HCV seroprevalence was 10.8% (28/260) with 95% CI 7-15. Independent predictors of HCV positivity were injection drug use (P < 0.001, OR 44.05, 95% CI 7.9-245.5), exposure to custodial stay (P = 0.011, OR 7.34, 95% CI 1.6-33.9) and age (P = 0.011, OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02-1.16). Eight of the 16 HCV RNA-positive patients were treated. Hepatitis nurses liaised with community mental health teams for treatment initiation and follow-up under supervision of hepatologists. Seven patients achieved sustained viral response, one achieved end of treatment response. The remaining eight patients were difficult to engage with. In conclusion, HCV prevalence was high in our cohort of psychiatric inpatients. Although treatment uptake was achieved only in 50% patients, it was successfully completed in all, with innovative models of care. These findings highlight the need to integrate HCV screening with treatment linkage in psychiatry practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeyamani Ramachandran
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Silver Budd
- Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Margaret Tobin Centre, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Hannah Slattery
- Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Margaret Tobin Centre, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kate Muller
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Titus Mohan
- Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Margaret Tobin Centre, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Taryn Cowain
- Veterans Mental Health, The Jamie Larcombe Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Emma Tilley
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Andrea Baas
- Morier Ward, Noarlunga Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Laura Wigg
- Rural and Remote Inpatient Unit, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jacob Alexander
- Rural and Remote Inpatient Unit, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | | | - Alan Wigg
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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20
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Wigg AJ, Narayana SK, Anwar S, Ramachandran J, Muller K, Chen JW, John L, Hissaria P, Kaambwa B, Woodman RJ. High rates of indeterminate interferon‐gamma release assays for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection in liver transplantation candidates. Transpl Infect Dis 2019; 21:e13087. [DOI: 10.1111/tid.13087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Revised: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alan J. Wigg
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Medicine Unit Flinders Medical Centre Bedford Park SA Australia
- South Australian Liver Transplantation Unit Flinders Medical Centre Bedford Park SA Australia
| | - Sumudu K. Narayana
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Medicine Unit Flinders Medical Centre Bedford Park SA Australia
| | - Shahzaib Anwar
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Medicine Unit Flinders Medical Centre Bedford Park SA Australia
- South Australian Liver Transplantation Unit Flinders Medical Centre Bedford Park SA Australia
| | - Jeyamani Ramachandran
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Medicine Unit Flinders Medical Centre Bedford Park SA Australia
| | - Kate Muller
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Medicine Unit Flinders Medical Centre Bedford Park SA Australia
- South Australian Liver Transplantation Unit Flinders Medical Centre Bedford Park SA Australia
| | - John W. Chen
- South Australian Liver Transplantation Unit Flinders Medical Centre Bedford Park SA Australia
| | - Libby John
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Medicine Unit Flinders Medical Centre Bedford Park SA Australia
- South Australian Liver Transplantation Unit Flinders Medical Centre Bedford Park SA Australia
| | | | - Billingsley Kaambwa
- Health Economics Unit, College of Medicine and Public Health Flinders University of South Australia Adelaide SA Australia
| | - Richard J. Woodman
- Flinders Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Medicine and Public Health Flinders University of South Australia Adelaide SA Australia
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21
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Nawas A, Narayanan S, Mistry R, Thomas-Jardin S, Ramachandran J, Ravichandran J, Neduvelil E, Luangpanh K, Delk NA. IL-1 induces p62/SQSTM1 and autophagy in ERα + /PR + BCa cell lines concomitant with ERα and PR repression, conferring an ERα - /PR - BCa-like phenotype. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:1477-1491. [PMID: 30324661 PMCID: PMC6465183 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor α (ERα)low/- tumors are associated with breast cancer (BCa) endocrine resistance, where ERα low tumors show a poor prognosis and a molecular profile similar to triple negative BCa tumors. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) downregulates ERα accumulation in BCa cell lines, yet the cells can remain viable. In kind, IL-1 and ERα show inverse accumulation in BCa patient tumors and IL-1 is implicated in BCa progression. IL-1 represses the androgen receptor hormone receptor in prostate cancer cells concomitant with the upregulation of the prosurvival, autophagy-related protein, Sequestome-1 (p62/SQSTM1; hereinafter, p62); and given their similar etiology, we hypothesized that IL-1 also upregulates p62 in BCa cells concomitant with hormone receptor repression. To test our hypothesis, BCa cell lines were exposed to conditioned medium from IL-1-secreting bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), IL-1, or IL-1 receptor antagonist. Cells were analyzed for the accumulation of ERα, progesterone receptor (PR), p62, or the autophagosome membrane protein, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), and for p62-LC3 interaction. We found that IL-1 is sufficient to mediate BMSC-induced ERα and PR repression, p62 and autophagy upregulation, and p62-LC3 interaction in ERα+ /PR+ BCa cell lines. However, IL-1 does not significantly elevate the high basal p62 accumulation or high basal autophagy in the ERα- /PR- BCa cell lines. Thus, our observations imply that IL-1 confers a prosurvival ERα- /PR- molecular phenotype in ERα+ /PR+ BCa cells that may be dependent on p62 function and autophagy and may underlie endocrine resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- A.F. Nawas
- Biological Sciences Department, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080
| | - S. Narayanan
- Biological Sciences Department, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080
| | - R. Mistry
- Biological Sciences Department, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080
| | - S.E. Thomas-Jardin
- Biological Sciences Department, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080
| | - J. Ramachandran
- Biological Sciences Department, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080
| | - J. Ravichandran
- Biological Sciences Department, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080
| | - E. Neduvelil
- Biological Sciences Department, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080
| | - K. Luangpanh
- Biological Sciences Department, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080
| | - N. A. Delk
- Biological Sciences Department, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080
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22
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Haridy J, Wigg A, Muller K, Ramachandran J, Tilley E, Waddell V, Gordon D, Shaw D, Huynh D, Stewart J, Nelson R, Warner M, Boyd M, Chinnaratha MA, Harding D, Ralton L, Colman A, Liew D, Iyngkaran G, Tse E. Real-world outcomes of unrestricted direct-acting antiviral treatment for hepatitis C in Australia: The South Australian statewide experience. J Viral Hepat 2018; 25:1287-1297. [PMID: 29888827 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [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: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In March 2016, the Australian government offered unrestricted access to direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) to the entire population. This included prescription by any medical practitioner in consultation with specialists until sufficient experience was attained. We sought to determine the outcomes and experience over the first twelve months for the entire state of South Australia. We performed a prospective, observational study following outcomes of all treatments associated with the state's four main tertiary centres. A total of 1909 subjects initiating DAA therapy were included, representing an estimated 90% of all treatments in the state. Overall, SVR12 was 80.4% in all subjects intended for treatment and 95.7% in those completing treatment and follow-up. 14.2% were lost to follow-up (LTFU) and did not complete SVR12 testing. LTFU was independently associated with community treatment via remote consultation (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.04-2.18, P = .03), prison-based treatment (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.08-3.79, P = .03) and younger age (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97-0.99, P = .05). Of the 1534 subjects completing treatment and follow-up, decreased likelihood of SVR12 was associated with genotype 2 (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.07-0.74, P = .01) and genotype 3 (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.12-0.43, P ≤ .01). A significant decrease in treatment initiation was observed over the twelve-month period in conjunction with a shift from hospital to community-based treatment. Our findings support the high responses observed in clinical trials; however, a significant gap exists in SVR12 in our real-world cohort due to LTFU. A declining treatment initiation rate and shift to community-based treatment highlight the need to explore additional strategies to identify, treat and follow-up remaining patients in order to achieve elimination targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Haridy
- University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - A Wigg
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - K Muller
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - J Ramachandran
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - E Tilley
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - V Waddell
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - D Gordon
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - D Shaw
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - D Huynh
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - J Stewart
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - R Nelson
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - M Warner
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - M Boyd
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Lyell-McEwin Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - M A Chinnaratha
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology, Lyell-McEwin Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - D Harding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Lyell-McEwin Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - L Ralton
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Lyell-McEwin Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - A Colman
- Department of Gastroenterology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - D Liew
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - G Iyngkaran
- Department of Gastroenterology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - E Tse
- Department of Gastroenterology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Bera C, Thangaraj K, Pati PK, Ramachandran J, Balasubramanian KA, Ramachandran A, Zachariah U, Sajith KG, Goel A, Eapen CE. Raised plasma levels of H 2S and nitrate predict intrapulmonary vascular dilations: A preliminary report in patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis. Indian J Gastroenterol 2018; 37:209-214. [PMID: 29984390 DOI: 10.1007/s12664-018-0862-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The role of vasoactive chemicals in the pathogenesis of hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS), a disorder characterized by intrapulmonary vascular dilation (IPVD), is only vaguely elucidated. We aimed to study the association between plasma H2S, nitrate levels, and presence and severity of IPVD and HPS. METHODS Consecutive adult patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis were evaluated for IPVD (by contrast echocardiography) and for hypoxemia (by arterial blood gas analysis). Plasma H2S and nitrate levels were measured in these patients. RESULTS Fifty-eight patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis (male, 45; median age, range, 45, 16-74 years; Child's class; A, 30; B, 18; C, 10) were enrolled in this study. Thirty-four of the 58 (59%) patients had IPVD and 13 (22%) had HPS (mild, 4; moderate, 5; severe, 2; very severe, 2). Plasma H2S levels were significantly higher in patients with IPVD (19.6, 5.7-83 μmol/L) as compared to patients who had no IPVD (12.3, 0-47 μmol/L; p-value 0.03) with an area under receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.68 (95% CI 0.53-0.84). Plasma H2S levels were higher in patients with IPVD irrespective of liver disease severity. There was a trend for higher plasma nitrate levels in patients with IPVD (47, 15.8-126.4 nmol/mL) as compared to patients who had no IPVD (32.3, 6.9-51.4 nmol/mL; p-value 0.1). Raised plasma H2S and nitrate levels had an additive effect on the presence of IPVD. Neither plasma H2S nor plasma nitrate levels correlated with the degree of hypoxemia. CONCLUSION Raised plasma H2S and nitrate levels predict the presence of IPVD in patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinmay Bera
- Department of Hepatology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, 632 004, India
| | - Kavitha Thangaraj
- Wellcome Trust Research Laboratories, Christian Medical College, Vellore, 632 004, India
| | - Purendra Kumar Pati
- Department of Cardiology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, 632 004, India
| | | | - K A Balasubramanian
- Wellcome Trust Research Laboratories, Christian Medical College, Vellore, 632 004, India
| | - Anup Ramachandran
- Wellcome Trust Research Laboratories, Christian Medical College, Vellore, 632 004, India
| | - Uday Zachariah
- Department of Hepatology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, 632 004, India
| | - K G Sajith
- Department of Hepatology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, 632 004, India
| | - Ashish Goel
- Department of Hepatology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, 632 004, India
| | - C E Eapen
- Department of Hepatology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, 632 004, India.
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Wigg AJ, Chin JK, Muller KR, Ramachandran J, Woodman RJ, Kaambwa B. Cost-effectiveness of a chronic disease management model for cirrhosis: Analysis of a randomized controlled trial. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 33:1634-1640. [PMID: 29462834 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.14127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS In this follow-up study to a randomized controlled trial of a chronic disease management (CDM) model in cirrhosis, our aim was to assess the relative cost-effectiveness of this model compared with usual care during the 12-month study period, using incremental costs per death avoided as the primary outcome. METHODS Mean differences in hospitalization costs, deaths avoided, and change in Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ) total scores were presented with 95% non-parametric bootstrapped confidence intervals. Results were also presented using a cost-effectiveness plane (CEP) and cost-effectiveness acceptability curve. RESULTS The CDM intervention was more expensive, by 18 521 AUD per participant, but more effective (% of deaths at 12 months: 10% vs 15% and 0.67 units increase per patient in CLDQ total scores). The resultant incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were 370 425 AUD per death avoided (95% confidence interval: -14 564 AUD to 2 059 373 AUD) and 27 547 AUD per unit improvement in the CLDQ total score (95% CI: 7455 AUD to 143 874 AUD). The CEPs demonstrated some uncertainty around cost-effectiveness. The cost-effectiveness acceptability curves demonstrated that at willingness to pay values of 400 000 AUD per additional death avoided and 40 000 AUD per unit improvement in the CLDQ, there was at least a 70% probability of CDM being more cost-effective than usual care. At 24 months, CDM was much more effective (12% less deaths but now also cheaper by 985 AUD per patient). CONCLUSIONS The analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial suggests that the CDM intervention used is likely to be cost-effective, relative to usual care, due to fewer patient deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan J Wigg
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Medicine Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- School of Medicine, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jong K Chin
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Medicine Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kate R Muller
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Medicine Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- School of Medicine, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jeyamani Ramachandran
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Medicine Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- School of Medicine, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Richard J Woodman
- School of Medicine, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Billingsley Kaambwa
- Health Economics Unit, School of Medicine, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Gupta P, Choksi M, Goel A, Zachariah U, Sajith KG, Ramachandran J, Chandy G, Kurian G, Rebekah G, Eapen CE. Maintenance zinc therapy after initial penicillamine chelation to treat symptomatic hepatic Wilson's disease in resource constrained setting. Indian J Gastroenterol 2018; 37:31-38. [PMID: 29457214 DOI: 10.1007/s12664-018-0829-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 08/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Experience with zinc in treating symptomatic hepatic Wilson's disease (WD) is limited. AIM To study the efficacy of Penicillamine followed by zinc in treating symptomatic hepatic Wilson's disease. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed case records of 31 symptomatic hepatic WD patients for whom disease severity scores (Child's, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD), Nazer's, and New Wilson Index (NWI) score) and 24-h urinary copper were compared at 3-time points-baseline at presentation, at transition from penicillamine to zinc and at end of follow up. RESULTS Thirty-one patients (median age 11 [5-24] years) with symptomatic hepatic WD were studied; ten had associated neuropsychiatric manifestations of WD. Penicillamine was changed to zinc sulfate either due to financial constraints (28 patients) or due to adverse effects of penicillamine (3 patients). At presentation (baseline), six patients belonged to Child's class A, five to Child's B, and 17 to Child's C. Duration of initial penicillamine chelation therapy was 134 (2-320) weeks, and of subsequent zinc therapy was 363 (35-728) weeks. There was a significant improvement in liver function tests and disease severity scores (Child's, MELD, Nazer's, and NWI score) at the transition from penicillamine to zinc compared to baseline. This improvement was maintained until the end of study period with 90% survival at 10 (2-20) years. Fifteen of the 17 Child's C cirrhotic patients showed significant improvement in disease severity scores from baseline until end of follow up. CONCLUSIONS Penicillamine followed by zinc may be a safe and effective treatment in resource-constrained setting for symptomatic hepatic WD patients in all grades of baseline disease severity. Some patients with decompensated cirrhosis due to WD may be managed with medical treatment, avoiding liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piyush Gupta
- Department of Hepatology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, 632 004, India.
| | - Mehul Choksi
- Department of Hepatology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, 632 004, India
| | - Ashish Goel
- Department of Hepatology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, 632 004, India
| | - Uday Zachariah
- Department of Hepatology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, 632 004, India
| | | | | | - George Chandy
- Department of Hepatology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, 632 004, India
| | - George Kurian
- Department of Hepatology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, 632 004, India
| | - Grace Rebekah
- Department of Biostatistics, Christian Medical College, Vellore, 632 004, India
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David D, Raghavendran A, Goel A, Bharath Kumar C, Kodiatte TA, Burad D, Abraham P, Ramakrishna B, Joseph P, Ramachandran J, Eapen CE. Risk factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are common in patients with non-B non-C hepatocellular carcinoma in India. Indian J Gastroenterol 2017; 36:373-379. [PMID: 28975595 DOI: 10.1007/s12664-017-0785-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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] [Received: 05/27/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of the study was to analyze the prevalence of risk factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in patients with non-B non-C hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS Between June 2012 and November 2014, patients with HCC, negative for hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis C virus antibody, were included in this study. All patients were assessed for risk factors for NAFLD such as diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, and obesity. RESULTS Forty-seven patients with non-B non-C HCC (males, 37; age, 60±10 years; mean±SD) were studied. Model for end-stage liver disease score was 11±4. Twenty-five patients were in Child's class A. History of significant alcohol intake was noted in 11 (23%) patients. Prevalence of risk factors for NAFLD were obesity 24 (51%), DM 22 (47%), metabolic syndrome 21 (45%), hypertension 16 (34%), and dyslipidemia 13 (28%). Forty (85%) patients had at least one risk factor for NAFLD. The mean duration of at least one NAFLD risk factor was 7.5 years, prior to diagnosis of HCC. Thirteen (28%) patients were positive for anti-HBc; however, none of the study patients had detectable HBV DNA in blood. CONCLUSIONS Eighty-five percent of the patients with non-B non-C HCC had at least one risk factor for NAFLD. None of the study patients had occult hepatitis B infection. NAFLD is emerging as the major etiological contributing factor for non-B non-C HCC in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepu David
- Department of Gastroenterology, Division of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, 632 004, India.
| | | | - Ashish Goel
- Department of Hepatology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, 632 004, India
| | - C Bharath Kumar
- Department of Gastroenterology, Division of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, 632 004, India
| | - Thomas Alex Kodiatte
- Department of Pathology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, 632 004, India
| | - Deepak Burad
- Department of Pathology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, 632 004, India
| | - Priya Abraham
- Department of Virology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, 632 004, India
| | - Banumathi Ramakrishna
- Department of Pathology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, 632 004, India
| | - Philip Joseph
- Department of Surgery, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, 632 004, India
| | - Jeyamani Ramachandran
- Department of Hepatology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, 632 004, India
| | - C E Eapen
- Department of Hepatology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, 632 004, India
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Ramachandran J, Santo L, Siu KT, Panaroni C, Raje N. Pim2 is important for regulating DNA damage response in multiple myeloma cells. Blood Cancer J 2016; 6:e462. [PMID: 27564460 PMCID: PMC5022183 DOI: 10.1038/bcj.2016.73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Revised: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pan proviral integrations of Moloney virus (PIM) inhibition in multiple myeloma (MM) results in reduced cell viability in tested human-derived MM cell lines and reduces tumor burden in xenograft mouse models, making PIMs important therapeutic targets for the disease. PIM kinase inhibitors are currently being tested clinically in MM. We sought to elucidate the role of the various PIMs in MM. Our data demonstrate that Pim2 has a significant role in MM cell cytotoxicity. Our data provide evidence for a novel role for Pim2 in the regulation of the DNA damage response (DDR). Knockdown of Pim2 upregulates several downstream DDR markers, mimicking the effects of doxorubicin (Dox) treatment of MM cells, and suggesting a role for the kinase as a negative regulator of this pathway. Dox-induced DNA damage results in a decrease in Pim2 levels, placing the kinase directly downstream of the site of Dox-DNA binding. Overexpression of Pim2 confers a slight survival advantage against Dox through antiapoptotic activity, further underscoring its relevance in the DDR pathway. These data provide insights into a novel mechanism of PIM kinase activity and provide the framework for designing therapeutic approaches in MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Ramachandran
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, MGH Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - L Santo
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, MGH Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - K T Siu
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, MGH Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - C Panaroni
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, MGH Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - N Raje
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, MGH Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Gan G, Bhat A, Fernandez F, Ramachandran J, Hsu C, Choong T, Tan T. Cardiac Vignette: A Rare Case of Atrial Myopathy. Heart Lung Circ 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2016.06.510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Ramachandran J, Teo M, Kimber R, Wigg AJ. Successful liver transplantation for a hepatitis B flare following cessation of prolonged chemotherapy prophylaxis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 35:51-3. [PMID: 25276909 DOI: 10.7869/tg.166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Ramachandran J, Sajith KG, Priya S, Dutta AK, Balasubramanian KA. Serum cholinesterase is an excellent biomarker of liver cirrhosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 35:15-20. [PMID: 25276901 DOI: 10.7869/tg.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serum cholinesterase (ChE) is an enzyme synthesised by hepatocytes and its serum levels reflect the synthetic function of liver. METHODS In patients with cirrhosis, liver function tests, PT INR and serum ChE levels were done within a week of enrolment. We studied 178 cirrhosis patients and 154 healthy controls prospectively. Receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was employed to compute an optimal cut-off level to distinguish these groups. Correlation between ChE activity and serum bilirubin, albumin, PT INR and MELD score (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease) was analysed. RESULTS Median serum ChE in cirrhotics was 1590 IU/L (110-8143) compared to controls 7886 IU/L (2022- 21673), p < 0.001. Serum ChE levels below 3506 had a 98.7% sensitivity and 80.3% specificity in predicting cirrhosis. Median serum ChE was higher (p < 0.001) in CC (n = 51) 4246 IU/L (680-8143) compared to DC (n = 127) 1324 IU/L (110-4550). ChE level less than 2385 IU/L had 80.1% sensitivity and 88.2% specificity in predicting DC. Follow-up levels in 25 patients showed good correlation with clinical course. The correlation coefficient between ChE and albumin was -0.67, 0.53 with PT INR and 0.59 with MELD score, (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Serum ChE is an excellent biomarker of cirrhosis with good sensitivity and specificity. It shows good correlation with serum albumin, PT INR and MELD score. Since it distinguishes DC from CC well, low levels in cirrhosis may serve as a useful prognostic marker of advanced liver disease. Long-term follow-up studies are warranted to define its exact role in clinical practice.
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Ramachandran J, Mahajan R, Basu G, Alagammai PL, Sivakumar J, Goel A, Abraham P, Tamilarasi V. Efficacy and safety of hepatitis C antiviral therapy in moderate and severe chronic kidney disease. Indian J Gastroenterol 2014; 33:471-5. [PMID: 25015745 DOI: 10.1007/s12664-014-0487-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an important cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Though indicated, antiviral therapy adds to the existing financial burden and is poorly tolerated in these patients. We studied HCV treatment outcomes in patients with moderate and severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) between June 2010 and June 2012. Out of 46 patients with CKD, only 16 (genotype 1:6, 3:9, indeterminate 1) received interferon treatment (conventional 9, pegylated 7; with low-dose ribavirin 5). End of treatment response was achieved in 50 % and sustained viral response in 44 %. Adverse effects such as tuberculosis, anemia, and cardiac failure resulting in discontinuation of therapy were seen in three. The dropout rate was 38 %. Though interferon therapy was efficacious and safe, it was received by only 35 % of patients with CKD. We suggest that antiviral therapy be offered under close monitoring in the absence of contraindications in patients with moderate and severe CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeyamani Ramachandran
- Department of Hepatology, Division of G.I. Sciences Christian Medical College, Vellore, 632 004, India,
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Ismail AM, Ramachandran J, Kannangai R, Abraham P. Antiviral efficacy of adefovir dipivoxil in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B subjects from Indian subcontinent. Indian J Med Microbiol 2014; 32:60-3. [PMID: 24399391 DOI: 10.4103/0255-0857.124312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Adefovir is one of the therapeutic options for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. A total of 30 adefovir-experienced subjects with the median treatment duration of 12 (interquartile range (IQR) 6-18) months were studied. Virological response was measured by hepatitis B virus deoxyribonucleic acid (HBV DNA) levels. HBV reverse transcriptase (rt) domains were sequenced for the identification of resistance mutations. Among the 30 subjects, two (7%) showed virological response and 19 (63%) were non-responders. The virological response for the remaining nine (30%) subjects was not determined. On sequence analysis, two subjects were identified with rtI169L and rtA181V mutation after 9 months and 18 months of adefovir treatment, respectively. Though the frequencies of adefovir resistance mutations are low, a large majority of subjects showed non-response. Therefore, adefovir in the management of HBV should be used judiciously.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - P Abraham
- Departments of Clinical Virology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
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Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a dreaded complication of cirrhosis as it is the commonest cause of mortality in these patients. The last few years have seen a dramatic improvement in the management of this tumor as nearly 50-70% of selected patients with early HCC survive for a median period of up to 5 years after liver transplantation, resection or local ablation. Surveillance has been found to be an effective tool to detect early tumors and expand the applicability of these curative treatment options. Semiannual ultrasonogram is recommended for surveillance by the American, European and Asia Pacific liver societies and is the standard of care in many countries. There is increasing evidence that this practice improves survival too. Since the only way to improve the outlook of HCC is its diagnosis prior to commencement of symptoms, providing surveillance becomes a major responsibility of physicians caring for patients with chronic liver disease. This review attempts to discuss the population at risk of HCC, modalities and frequency of surveillance tests, cost effectiveness and also the logistics of its delivery in the Indian context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeyamani Ramachandran
- Address for correspondence: Jeyamani Ramachandran, Professor, Department of Hepatology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Kumar A, Acharya SK, Singh SP, Saraswat VA, Arora A, Duseja A, Goenka MK, Jain D, Kar P, Kumar M, Kumaran V, Mohandas KM, Panda D, Paul SB, Ramachandran J, Ramesh H, Rao PN, Shah SR, Sharma H, Thandassery RB. The Indian National Association for Study of the Liver (INASL) Consensus on Prevention, Diagnosis and Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in India: The Puri Recommendations. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2014; 4:S3-S26. [PMID: 25755608 PMCID: PMC4284289 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2014.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [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: 06/17/2013] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the major causes of morbidity, mortality and healthcare expenditure in patients with chronic liver disease. There are no consensus guidelines on diagnosis and management of HCC in India. The Indian National Association for Study of the Liver (INASL) set up a Task-Force on HCC in 2011, with a mandate to develop consensus guidelines for diagnosis and management of HCC, relevant to disease patterns and clinical practices in India. The Task-Force first identified various contentious issues on various aspects of HCC and these issues were allotted to individual members of the Task-Force who reviewed them in detail. The Task-Force used the Oxford Center for Evidence Based Medicine-Levels of Evidence of 2009 for developing an evidence-based approach. A 2-day round table discussion was held on 9th and 10th February, 2013 at Puri, Odisha, to discuss, debate, and finalize the consensus statements. The members of the Task-Force reviewed and discussed the existing literature at this meeting and formulated the INASL consensus statements for each of the issues. We present here the INASL consensus guidelines (The Puri Recommendations) on prevention, diagnosis and management of HCC in India.
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Key Words
- AFP, alpha-fetoprotein
- AIIMS, All India Institute of Medical Sciences
- ASMR, age standardized mortality rate
- BCLC, Barcelona-Clinic Liver Cancer
- CEUS, contrast enhanced ultrasound
- CT, computed tomography
- DCP, des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin
- DDLT, deceased donor liver transplantation
- DE, drug eluting
- FNAC, fine needle aspiration cytology
- GPC-3, glypican-3
- GS, glutamine synthase
- Gd-EOB-DTPA, gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid
- HBV, Hepatitis B virus
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- HCV, Hepatitis C virus
- HSP-70, heat shock protein-70
- HVPG, hepatic venous pressure gradient
- ICG, indocyanine green
- ICMR, Indian Council of Medical Research
- INASL, Indian National Association for Study of the Liver
- LDLT, living donor liver transplantation
- MRI, magnetic resonance imaging
- Mabs, monoclonal antibodies
- NAFLD, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- OLT, orthotopic liver transplantation
- PAI, percutaneous acetic acid injection
- PEI, percutaneous ethanol injection
- PET, positron emission tomography
- PVT, portal vein thrombosis
- RECIST, Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors
- RFA
- RFA, radio frequency ablation
- SVR, sustained viral response
- TACE
- TACE, transarterial chemoembolization
- TART, trans-arterial radioisotope therapy
- UCSF, University of California San Francisco
- liver cancer
- targeted therapy
- transplant
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Kumar
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Subrat K. Acharya
- Department of Gastroenterology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Road, New Delhi 110 029, India
| | - Shivaram P. Singh
- Department of Gastroenterology, SCB Medical College, Cuttack, Odisha, India
| | - Vivek A. Saraswat
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anil Arora
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Ajay Duseja
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Mahesh K. Goenka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Apollo Gleneagles Hospital, 58, Canal Circular Road, Kolkata, West Bengal 700 054, India
| | - Deepali Jain
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Premashish Kar
- Department of Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver & Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Vinay Kumaran
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology and Liver Transplantation, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Kunisshery M. Mohandas
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, West Bengal 700156, India
| | - Dipanjan Panda
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Liver & Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Shashi B. Paul
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Jeyamani Ramachandran
- Department of Hepatology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632 004, India
| | - Hariharan Ramesh
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, Lakeshore Hospital and Research Center, Cochin, Kerala, India
| | - Padaki N. Rao
- Department of Medical Gastroenterology, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, Somajiguda, Hyderabad, India
| | - Samir R. Shah
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Peddar Road, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400 026, India
| | - Hanish Sharma
- Department of Gastroenterology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Road, New Delhi 110 029, India
| | - Ragesh B. Thandassery
- Department of Gastroenterology, Apollo Gleneagles Hospital, 58, Canal Circular Road, Kolkata, West Bengal 700 054, India
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Ramachandran J. Structural and Functional Interrelationships of Adrenocorticotropin and the Melanotropins. Isr J Chem 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/ijch.197400053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Vivek R, Zachariah UG, Ramachandran J, Eapen CE, Rajan DP, Kang G. Characterization of hepatitis E virus from sporadic hepatitis cases and sewage samples from Vellore, south India. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2013; 107:363-7. [PMID: 23677583 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trt030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is endemic in India and causes epidemics and sporadic cases. However, the exact transmission route for sporadic hepatitis E remains unclear. This study investigated HEV in sporadic hepatitis cases and sewage samples, as sewage is the major source of contamination of water in developing countries. METHODS Monthly sampling and testing for HEV in sewage samples from Vellore, India was carried out for 1 year (November 2009-October 2010) and plasma and/or fecal samples from sporadic hepatitis cases presenting to a hospital in Vellore during 2006-2010 were tested for HEV RNA. A total of 144 raw sewage samples and 94 samples from sporadic hepatitis cases were tested for HEV RNA using RT-PCR. RESULTS The prevalence of HEV RNA in sewage and sporadic cases was 55.6% and 9.6%, respectively. HEV strains isolated from sewage showed 94-100% nucleotide sequence similarity with the HEV strains isolated from the sporadic hepatitis cases. HEV RNA in sewage was identified more often during the summer (81.2%) than the monsoon season (14.5%) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION This study indicates that sewage may be a source of contamination for sporadic hepatitis and also underscores the need for preventive measures to protect drinking water from sewage contamination, particularly in the summer. GENBANK ACCESSION NUMBERS: HEV strains isolated from this study were deposited in GenBank under accession numbers JF972766-JF972773, JN705651-JN705659 and JN705660-JN705662.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Vivek
- Wellcome Trust Research Laboratory, Division of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore 632004, India
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Chandramohan A, Sajith KG, Ramachandran J. Two different diagnoses in one radiological imaging, related or not? Trop Gastroenterol 2013; 34:264-265. [PMID: 25046890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
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Sajith KG, Goel A, Ramachandran J, Priya S, Nair SC, Eapen CE. Erythrocytosis as a cause of false increase in prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time. Indian J Gastroenterol 2013; 32:346-7. [PMID: 23114799 DOI: 10.1007/s12664-012-0277-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [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: 02/04/2023]
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Ramachandran J. 033 Using Rapid Reviews to Influence Guidance Development in the Emergency Department Setting. BMJ Qual Saf 2013. [DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2013-002293.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Goel A, Madhu K, Zachariah U, Sajith K, Ramachandran J, Ramakrishna B, Gibikote S, Jude J, Chandy GM, Elias E, Eapen C. A study of aetiology of portal hypertension in adults (including the elderly) at a tertiary centre in southern India. Indian J Med Res 2013; 137:922-7. [PMID: 23760378 PMCID: PMC3734684] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES There are only a few studies on aetiology of portal hypertension among adults presenting to tertiary care centres in India; hence we conducted this study to assess the aetiological reasons for portal hypertension in adult patients attending a tertiary care centre in southern India. METHODS Causes of portal hypertension were studied in consecutive new adult patients with portal hypertension attending department of Hepatatology at a tertiary care centre in south India during July 2009 to July 2010. RESULTS A total of 583 adult patients (>18 yr old) were enrolled in the study. After non-invasive testing, commonest causes of portal hypertension were cryptogenic chronic liver disease (35%), chronic liver disease due to alcohol (29%), hepatitis B (17%) or hepatitis C (9%). Of the 203 patients with cryptogenic chronic liver disease, 39 had liver biopsy - amongst the latter, idiopathic non cirrhotic intrahepatic portal hypertension (NCIPH) was seen in 16 patients (41%), while five patients had cirrhosis due to non alcoholic fatty liver disease. Fifty six (10%) adult patients with portal hypertension had vascular liver disorders. Predominant causes of portal hypertension in elderly (>60 yrs; n=83) were cryptogenic chronic liver disease (54%) and alcohol related chronic liver disease (16%). INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS Cryptogenic chronic liver disease was the commonest cause of portal hypertension in adults, followed by alcohol or hepatitis B related chronic liver disease. Of patients with cryptogenic chronic liver disease who had liver biopsy, NCIPH was the commonest cause identified. Vascular liver disorders caused portal hypertension in 10 per cent of adult patients. Cryptogenic chronic liver disease was also the commonest cause in elderly patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Goel
- Department of Hepatology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Kadiyala Madhu
- Department of Hepatology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Uday Zachariah
- Department of Hepatology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - K.G. Sajith
- Department of Hepatology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | | | | | - Sridhar Gibikote
- Department of Radiology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - John Jude
- Department of Microbiology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - George M. Chandy
- Department of Hepatology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Elwyn Elias
- Liver Unit, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK & Department of Hepatology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - C.E. Eapen
- Department of Hepatology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India,Reprint requests: Dr C.E. Eapen, Professor & Head, Department of Hepatology, Christian Medical College, Vellore 632 004, India e-mail: ;
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Pal S, Ramachandran J, Kurien RT, Eapen A, Ramakrishna B, Keshava SN, Goel A, Sajith KG, Eapen CE. Hepatocellular carcinoma continues to be diagnosed in the advanced stage: profile of hepatocellular carcinoma in a tertiary care hospital in South India. Trop Doct 2013; 43:25-6. [PMID: 23443626 DOI: 10.1177/0049475512473600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
This report is an analysis of 231 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from a tertiary care hospital in India. Most of the HCCs were diagnosed in cirrhotics and at an advanced stage which limited the therapeutic options. Physician awareness of this complication of cirrhosis and regular ultrasound screening of cirrhotic patients will help in detection of early stage cancers and, thus, enhance the survival rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandip Pal
- Departments of GI Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
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Abstract
This report presents two cases of human fascioliasis from different states in India. Although only few cases of human fascioliasis have been reported from India previously, both these cases were encountered within a span of three months at this tertiary care centre. Case 1 had significant symptoms with episodes of fever, abdominal pain and eosiniphilia and underwent multiple diagnostic procedures before the correct diagnosis was reached. Case 2, who had few symptoms, had fascioliasis diagnosed with minimal evaluation. These different presentations seen at two ends of the clinical spectrum of disease along with findings of peripheral eosinophilia, and radiological findings led to a presumptive diagnosis that was then confirmed by microscopic examination of bile. Morphometric analysis of ova from these cases was suggestive of infestation with F. gigantica or a F. gigantica-like hybrid. Both patients were treated with triclabendazole which was imported from Geneva. The need to be aware of the possibility of occurrence of this disease and the inclusion of drugs used for treating the disease, in the Indian drug list, should be emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Ramachandran
- Department of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
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Pant A, Ramachandran J. Legitimacy beyond borders: Indian software services firms in the United States, 1984 to 2004. Global Strategy Journal 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-5805.2012.01037.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Eapen
- Department of Hepatology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India 632004.
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Goel A, Ramakrishna B, Madhu K, Zachariah U, Ramachandran J, Keshava SN, Elias E, Eapen CE. Idiopathic noncirrhotic intrahepatic portal hypertension is an ongoing problem in India. Hepatology 2011; 54:2274; author reply 2274-5. [PMID: 22030741 DOI: 10.1002/hep.24750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [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: 12/07/2022]
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Goel A, Ramakrishna B, Zachariah U, Ramachandran J, Eapen CE, Kurian G, Chandy G. How accurate are the Swansea criteria to diagnose acute fatty liver of pregnancy in predicting hepatic microvesicular steatosis? Gut 2011; 60:138-9; author reply 139-40. [PMID: 20938054 DOI: 10.1136/gut.2009.198465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [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: 12/26/2022]
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Ramachandran J, Pant A. The liabilities of origin: an emerging economy perspective on the costs of doing business abroad. The Past, Present and Future of International Business & Management 2010. [DOI: 10.1108/s1571-5027(2010)00000230017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
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Choksi M, Joseph AJ, Simon E, Shah A, Ramachandran J, Ramakrishna BS. The association of HTLV-1 infection, persistent intestinal infection with Strongyloides stercoralis and gastrointestinal lymphoma. BMJ Case Rep 2009; 2009:bcr07.2008.0373. [PMID: 21686837 DOI: 10.1136/bcr.07.2008.0373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection is a risk factor for Strongyloides stercoralis infection. HTLV-1 also predisposes to the development of T cell malignancies. We report a case of a patient with severe, treatment resistant Strongyloides infection and HTLV-1 infection who progressed to develop an advanced high grade T cell lymphoma of the intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehul Choksi
- Christian Medical College, Ida Scudder Road, Vellore, 632004, India
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