Survival Trends in Sorafenib for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Reconstructed Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials

Background

Emerging data suggest that outcomes for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with sorafenib may have improved over time. We aimed to provide robust, time-to-event estimates of survival outcomes for sorafenib in advanced HCC.

Summary

In this systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials (RCTs), we searched MEDLINE and Embase from inception till September 2022 for RCTs that provided data for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) for sorafenib monotherapy as first-line systemic therapy for advanced HCC. We performed a pooled analysis using reconstructed individual participant data from published Kaplan-Meier curves to obtain robust estimates for OS and PFS. Of 1,599 articles identified, 29 studies (5,525 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Overall, the median OS was 10.4 (95% CI: 9.6-11.4) months. Median OS increased over time, from 9.8 (95% CI: 8.8-10.7) months in studies before 2015 to 13.4 (95% CI: 11.03-15.24) months in studies from 2015 onwards (p < 0.001). OS did not differ by trial phase, geographical region, or study design. The overall median PFS was 4.4 (95% CI: 3.9-4.8) months, but PFS did not improve over time. Sensitivity analysis of studies from 2015 and onwards to account for the introduction of direct-acting antivirals determined that hepatitis C virus was associated with reduced mortality (p < 0.001). There was minimal heterogeneity in the estimates for OS (all I2 ≤ 33).

Key Messages

Survival outcomes for sorafenib in advanced HCC have improved over time. These data have important implications for clinical trial design.

Foregut bypass vs. restrictive bariatric procedures for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a meta-analysis of 3,355 individuals

Background

Bariatric surgery represents an important treatment option for severely obese patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, there remains inadequate data regarding the effects of different bariatric procedures on various NAFLD parameters, especially for histological outcomes. Thus, this meta-analysis aimed to compare the effects of restrictive bariatric procedures and foregut bypass on the metabolic, biochemical, and histological parameters for patients with NAFLD.

Methods

Medline and Embase were searched for articles relating to bariatric procedures and NAFLD. Pairwise meta-analysis was conducted to compare efficacy of bariatric procedures pre- vs. post-procedure with subgroup analysis to further compare restrictive against foregut bypass procedures.

Results

Thirty-one articles involving 3,355 patients who underwent restrictive bariatric procedures (n=1,460) and foregut bypass (n=1,895) were included. Both foregut bypass (P<0.01) and restrictive procedures (P=0.03) significantly increased odds of fibrosis resolution. Compared to restrictive procedures, foregut bypass resulted in a borderline non-significant decrease in fibrosis score (P=0.06) and significantly lower steatosis score (P<0.001). For metabolic parameters, foregut bypass significantly lowered body mass index (P=0.003) and low-density lipoprotein (P=0.008) compared to restrictive procedures. No significant differences were observed between both procedures for aspartate aminotransferase (P=0.17) and alkaline phosphatase (P=0.61). However, foregut bypass resulted in significantly lower gamma-glutamyl transferase than restrictive procedures (P=0.01) while restrictive procedures resulted in significantly lower alanine transaminase than foregut bypass (P=0.02).

Conclusions

The significant histological and metabolic advantages and comparable improvements in biochemical outcomes support the choice of foregut bypass over restrictive bariatric procedures in NAFLD management.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma Incidence in Alcohol-Associated Cirrhosis: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Alcohol is one of the leading causes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, pooled estimates of HCC incidence in alcohol-associated cirrhosis have not been evaluated systematically. We performed a pooled analysis of time-to-event data to provide robust estimates for the incidence of HCC in alcohol-associated cirrhosis.

METHODS

Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from inception to August 2021. Individual patient data were reconstructed from published Kaplan-Meier curves, and a pooled analysis of cumulative HCC incidence was performed using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

We screened 5022 articles and included 18 studies (148,333 patients). In the pooled analysis, the cumulative incidence of HCC in alcohol-associated cirrhosis at 1, 5, and 10 years among studies that accounted for the competing risk of death without HCC was 1%, 3%, and 9%, respectively. A secondary analysis by traditional meta-analysis determined that the HCC incidence rate was higher in cohorts enrolled in a HCC surveillance program (18.6 vs 4.8 per 1000 person-years; P = .001) vs those who were not enrolled in a surveillance program. Meta-regression showed that diabetes, smoking, variceal bleeding, and hepatic decompensation were associated with a higher risk of HCC.

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis determined that the 5- and 10- year cumulative risk of HCC in alcohol-associated cirrhosis was 3% and 9%, respectively, with a higher incidence in cohorts that were enrolled in a HCC surveillance program. These data should be validated further in large prospective studies, and may have important implications for HCC screening and surveillance among patients with alcohol-associated cirrhosis.

Socioeconomic deprivation and prognostic outcomes in acute coronary syndrome: A meta-analysis using multidimensional socioeconomic status indices

BACKGROUND

Low socioeconomic status (SES) is an important prognosticator amongst patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This paper analysed the effects of SES on ACS outcomes.

METHODS

Medline and Embase were searched for articles reporting outcomes of ACS patients stratified by SES using a multidimensional index, comprising at least 2 of the following components: Income, Education and Employment. A comparative meta-analysis was conducted using random-effects models to estimate the risk ratio of all-cause mortality in low SES vs high SES populations, stratified according to geographical region, study year, follow-up duration and SES index.

RESULTS

A total of 29 studies comprising of 301,340 individuals were included, of whom 43.7% were classified as low SES. While patients of both SES groups had similar cardiovascular risk profiles, ACS patients of low SES had significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted HR:1.19, 95%CI: 1.10-1.1.29, p < 0.001) compared to patients of high SES, with higher 1-year mortality (RR:1.08, 95%CI:1.03-1.13, p = 0.0057) but not 30-day mortality (RR:1.07, 95%CI:0.98-1.16, p = 0.1003). Despite having similar rates of ST-elevation myocardial infarction and non-ST-elevation ACS, individuals with low SES had lower rates of coronary revascularisation (RR:0.95, 95%CI:0.91-0.99, p = 0.0115) and had higher cerebrovascular accident risk (RR:1.25, 95%CI:1.01-1.55, p = 0.0469). Excess mortality risk was independent of region (p = 0.2636), study year (p = 0.7271) and duration of follow-up (p = 0.0604) but was dependent on the SES index used (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Low SES is associated with increased mortality post-ACS, with suboptimal coronary revascularisation rates compared to those of high SES. Concerted efforts are needed to address the global ACS-related socioeconomic inequity.

REGISTRATION AND PROTOCOL

The current study was registered with PROSPERO, ID: CRD42022334482.

Placebo Adverse Events in Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Trials: A Pooled Analysis of 2,944 Participants

INTRODUCTION

In the absence of an effective treatment for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a randomized, placebo-controlled trial (RCT) remains the current gold standard study design in NASH. As NASH is a largely asymptomatic disease, the side effects of potential therapies require careful evaluation, therefore a pooled rate of the adverse events (AEs) in placebo-treated patients serves as a useful comparator for safety. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the rate of AEs among participants in the placebo arm of NASH RCTs.

METHODS

Medline, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched to include clinical trials in phase 2-4 NASH RCTs with placebo treatment arms. A pooled proportions of AEs were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model with Clopper-Pearson intervals.

RESULTS

A total of 41 RCTs (2,944 participants on placebo) were included in this meta-analysis. A total of 68% (confidence interval [CI] 55%-77%) of participants on placebo experienced an AE, 7.8% (5.7%-10%) experienced serious AEs and 3.1% (CI: 1.9%-5.1%) experienced AEs leading to discontinuation. A significantly higher proportion of participants experienced serious AEs in phase 3 studies compared to in phase 2 studies ( P < 0.01) and in pharmaceutical funded studies as compared to studies which were federal-funded studies ( P < 0.01). An analysis of clinical trials evaluating bile acid modulating agents determined that 10% (CI: 5.5%-18%) of participants receiving placebo developed pruritus.

DISCUSSION

The present study summarizes the AEs with NASH placebo. Among participants in the placebo arm in NASH, two-third experienced an AE, and nearly 10% experienced a serious AE.

Outcomes of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis After Liver Transplantation: An Updated Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the fastest growing indication of liver transplantation (LT) and is projected to be the leading cause of LT in the near future. The systemic pathogenesis of NASH increases risks of adverse clinical outcomes in patients with NASH receiving LT. Thus, this study aimed to conduct a time-dependent survival analysis between LT recipients with and without NASH using hazard ratios.

METHODS

A search was conducted on Medline and Embase databases for articles relating to LT outcomes for NASH recipients. A survival analysis was conducted of hazard ratios using the DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model with meta-regression. To account for censoring, survival data were reconstructed from published Kaplan-Meier curves and pooled to derive more accurate hazard estimates and all-cause mortality in NASH patients after LT. Pairwise meta-analysis was conducted to analyze secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies involving 119,327 LT recipients were included in our analysis with a prevalence of NASH of 20.2% (95% CI, 12.9-30.2). The pooled 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year all-cause mortality in NASH patients after LT were 12.5%, 24.4%, and 37.9%, respectively. Overall survival was comparable between LT recipients for NASH vs non-NASH (hazard ratio, 0.910; 95% CI, 0.760 to 1.10; P = .34). Meta-regression showed that a higher model for end-stage liver disease score was associated with significantly worse overall survival in NASH compared with non-NASH after LT (95% CI, -0.0856 to -0.0181; P = .0026).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that patients undergoing LT for NASH cirrhosis have comparable complication rates, overall survival, and graft survival compared with non-NASH patients, although close monitoring may be indicated for those with higher model for end-stage liver disease scores.

A qualitative systematic review of anonymous/unspecified living kidney and liver donors' perspectives

OBJECTIVES & BACKGROUND

Anonymous live organ donors or unspecified donors are individuals willing to be organ donors for any transplant recipient with whom they have no biological or antecedent emotional relationship. Despite excellent recipient outcomes and the potential to help address organ scarcity, controversy surrounds the unconditional act of gifting one's organs to an unrelated recipient. This qualitative systematic review provides insights into the first-hand experiences, motivations, and challenges that unspecified donors face.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted on Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science database for qualitative literature regarding unspecified living donors' motivations and experiences in liver and kidney transplantation. An inductive thematic analysis was conducted to generate themes and supportive subthemes.

RESULTS

12 studies were included. The four major themes were (i) motivations, (ii) perception of risks, (iii) donor support, and (iv) benefits of donation. Unspecified donors demonstrated a deep sense of social responsibility but tended to underestimate health risks in favour of benefits for recipients. Despite the lack of emotional support from family and friends, the decision to donate was a resolute personal decision for donors. Majority benefitted emotionally and did not express regret.

CONCLUSION

This qualitative review bridges the gap in literature on unspecified living donor psychology and provides a comprehensive understanding of the decision-making matrix and experiences of donors.

Barriers and Facilitators to Engagement With a Weight Management Intervention in Asian Patients With Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

The obesity epidemic is a global health concern with Asian countries facing one of the most rapid rises in obesity rates. However, given the underwhelming long-term efficacy of weight loss strategies, especially in Asia, this review aimed to explore barriers and facilitators to weight management of patients with overweight and obesity in Asia.

METHODS

Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science were searched for articles discussing barriers and facilitators of treatment to obesity from the perspectives of both health care professionals (HCPs) and patients. Qualitative and mixed method studies from Asia were included. Key quotes were extracted, coded, and thematically analyzed according to the methodology of Thomas and Harden.

RESULTS

A total of 26 articles were included in this review. From patient perspectives, 3 main themes were identified: factors influencing poor eating behavior, inhibiting lifestyle modifications, and facilitating lifestyle modifications. Patients highlighted several barriers including the lack of social support, physiologic limitations to exercise, and low health literacy. Rigid sociocultural norms and lack of accessible health care services, exercise facilities, and healthy food exacerbated the barriers. Facilitators to lifestyle modifications consisted of strong support systems and high health literacy. HCPs agreed that low health literacy, lack of social support, and patient motivation impeded patients' weight loss attempts but were unaware of the other barriers they faced.

CONCLUSION

There are discrepancies between ideas of barriers and facilitators of HCPs and patients. A mixture of population level, primary care, and personal interventions are required to address this disparity, and enhanced health literacy can improve weight loss outcomes.

Hypertension is prevalent in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and increases all-cause and cardiovascular mortality

Background and aims

Hypertension (HTN) is a common comorbidity in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affecting up to 40% of individuals. However, the impact of HTN and its control on outcomes in NAFLD remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to examine the impact of HTN on survival outcomes in a longitudinal cohort of NAFLD patients.

Methods

The analysis consisted of adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2018 with data on socio-demographic characteristics and comorbidities. NAFLD was diagnosed with fatty liver index (FLI) and United States-FLI at a cut-off of 60 and 30, respectively in the substantial absence of alcohol use. A multivariate regression analysis was conducted to adjust for confounders.

Results

A total of 45,302 adults were included, and 27.83% were identified to have NAFLD. Overall, 45.65 and 35.12% of patients with NAFLD had HTN and uncontrolled HTN, respectively. A multivariate analysis with confounders demonstrated that hypertensive NAFLD had a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 1.39, CI: 1.14–1.68, p &lt; 0.01) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality (HR: 1.85, CI: 1.06–3.21, p = 0.03). Untreated HTN remained to have a significantly increased risk in all-cause (HR: 1.59, CI: 1.28–1.96, p &lt; 0.01) and CVD mortality (HR: 2.36, CI: 1.36–4.10, p &lt; 0.01) while treated HTN had a non-significant increased risk of CVD mortality (HR: 1.51, CI: 0.87–2.63, p = 0.14) and a lower magnitude of increase in the risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 1.26, CI: 1.03–1.55, p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Despite the significant burden of HTN in NAFLD, up to a fifth of patients have adequate control, and the lack thereof significantly increases the mortality risk. With the significant association of HTN in NAFLD, patients with NAFLD should be managed with a multidisciplinary team to improve longitudinal outcomes.

Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Tenofovir vs Entecavir Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B Virus: A Reconstructed Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE

Conventional meta-analyses with aggregated study-level data have yielded conflicting results for the comparative effectiveness of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate vs entecavir in reducing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk among patients with chronic hepatitis B virus. Within-study heterogeneity, between-study heterogeneity, and the inability of conventional meta-analyses to capture time-to-event data were associated with these results.

OBJECTIVE

To perform a reconstructed individual patient data meta-analysis of high-quality propensity score-matched studies to provide robust estimates for comparative HCC risk between groups receiving tenofovir or entecavir.

DATA SOURCES

Medline and Embase databases were searched from inception to October 6, 2021.

STUDY SELECTION

The initial search yielded 3435 articles. Fourteen studies that used propensity score matching to balance baseline characteristics were included in the final analysis.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guideline was followed. Individual patient data were reconstructed from Kaplan-Meier curves. Risk of HCC was evaluated using random-effects hazard ratios (HRs) via a shared-frailty model and a Cox proportional hazards model stratified by study group. Restricted mean survival time (RMST) analysis was conducted to account for varying estimated treatment effect across time.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The comparative risk of HCC with tenofovir vs entecavir treatment.

RESULTS

From analysis of 14 studes with 24 269 patients (10 534 receiving tenofovir and 13 735 receiving entecavir; mean age, 49.86 [95% CI, 48.35-51.36] years; 65.05% [95% CI, 58.60%-71.00%] men), tenofovir was associated with decreased HCC incidence compared with entecavir (stratified Cox HR, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.76-0.94] at 5 years; P = .002). However, there was no significant difference in subanalysis of clinical cohort studies (stratified Cox HR, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.80-1.06] at 5 years; P = .24). Among administrative database studies, proportionality was violated, and HRs could not be obtained via Cox proporational hazards-based models. The mean time to HCC development in RMST analysis was 2.8 (95% CI, 1.8-3.7) weeks longer (P < .001) for tenofovir vs entecavir at 5 years. The RMST analyses for other subgroups revealed either insignificant or minimal differences (<3 weeks) in the mean time to HCC at 5 years.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this meta-analysis, there was no clinically meaningful difference in the risk of HCC between patients who received entecavir and patients who received tenofovir. There was no difference between tenofovir and entecavir among clinical cohort studies, whereas the mean time to HCC development was less than 3 weeks longer for patients who received tenofovir vs those who received entecavir at year 5 among administrative database studies. The choice between tenofovir or entecavir should be decided based on patient convenience and tolerability.

Liver resection versus liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma within Milan criteria: a meta-analysis of 18,421 patients

Background

Outcomes after liver resection (LR) and liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are heterogenous and may vary by region, over time periods and disease burden. We aimed to compare overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) between LT versus LR for HCC within the Milan criteria.

Methods

Two authors independently searched Medline and Embase databases for studies comparing survival after LT and LR for patients with HCC meeting the Milan criteria. Meta-analyses and metaregression were conducted using random-effects models.

Results

We screened 2,278 studies and included 35 studies with 18,421 patients. LR was associated with poorer OS [hazard ratio (HR) =1.44; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14-1.81; P<0.01] and DFS (HR =2.71; 95% CI: 2.23-3.28; P<0.01) compared to LT, with similar findings among intention-to-treat (ITT) studies. In uninodular disease, OS in LR was comparable to LT (P=0.13) but DFS remained poorer (HR =2.95; 95% CI: 2.30-3.79; P<0.01). By region, LR had poorer OS versus LT in North America and Europe (P≤0.01), but not Asia (P=0.25). LR had inferior survival versus LT in studies completed before 2010 (P=0.01), but not after 2010 (P=0.12). Cohorts that underwent enhanced surveillance had comparable OS after LT and LR (P=0.33), but cohorts undergoing usual surveillance had worse OS after LR (HR =1.95; 95% CI: 1.24-3.07; P<0.01).

Conclusions

Mortality after LR for HCC is nearly 50% higher compared to LT. Survival between LR and LT were similar in uninodular disease. The risk of recurrence after LR is threefold that of LT.

A meta-analysis on the prevalence of chronic kidney disease in liver transplant candidates and its associated risk factors and outcomes

Pre-liver transplant (LT) chronic kidney disease (CKD) has emerged as a leading cause of post-operative morbidity. We aimed to report the prevalence, associated risk factors, and clinical outcomes in patients with pre-LT CKD. Meta-analysis and systematic review were conducted for included cohort and cross-sectional studies. Studies comparing healthy and patients with s pre-LT CKD were included. Outcomes were assessed with pooled hazard ratios. 15 studies were included, consisting of 82,432 LT patients and 26,754 with pre-LT CKD. Pooled prevalence of pre-LT CKD was 22.35% (CI: 15.30%-32.71%). Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, viral hepatitis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and older age were associated with increased risk of pre-LT CKD: (OR 1.72 CI: 1.15-2.56, P = 0.01), (OR 2.23 CI: 1.76-2.83, P < 0.01), (OR 1.09; CI: 1.05-1.13, P < 0.01), (OR 1.73; CI: 1.10-2.71 P = 0.03), and (MD: 2.92 years; CI: 1.29-4.55years; P < 0.01) respectively. Pre-LT CKD was significantly associated with increased mortality (HR 1.38; CI: 1.2-1.59; P < 0.01), post-LT end-stage renal disease and post-LT CKD. Almost a quarter of pre-LT patients have CKD and it is significantly associated with post-operative morbidity and mortality. However, long-term outcomes remain unclear due to a lack of studies reporting such outcomes.

Meta-analysis and systematic review: Prevalence, graft failure, mortality, and post-operative thrombosis in liver transplant recipients with pre-operative portal vein thrombosis

AIMS

This study seeks to evaluate the association between pre-transplant portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and overall survival, graft failure, waitlist mortality, and post-operative PVT after liver transplantation.

METHODS

A conventional pairwise meta-analysis between patients with and without pre-transplant PVT was conducted using hazard ratios or odds ratios where appropriate.

RESULTS

Prevalence of preoperative PVT was 11.6% (CI 9.70-13.7%). Pre-operative PVT was associated with increased overall mortality (HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.27-1.65) and graft loss (HR 1.58, 95% CI 1.34-1.85). In particular, grade 3 (HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.00-2.51) and 4 (HR 2.24, 95% CI 1.45-3.45) PVT significantly increased mortality, but not grade 1 or 2 PVT. Patients with PVT receiving living donor (HR 1.54, 95% CI 1.24-1.91) and deceased donor (HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.21-1.92) liver transplantation had increased mortality, with no significant difference between transplant types (P = .13). Furthermore, pre-transplant PVT was associated with higher occurrence of post-transplant PVT (OR 5.06, 95% CI 3.89-6.57). Waitlist mortality was not significantly increased in patients with pre-transplant PVT.

CONCLUSION

Graft failure, mortality, and post-operative PVT are more common in pre-transplant PVT patients, especially in grade 3 or 4 PVT. Prophylactic anticoagulation can be considered to reduce re-thrombosis and improve survival.

An Epidemiological Meta-Analysis on the Worldwide Prevalence, Resistance, and Outcomes of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis in Cirrhosis

Background and Aims: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a common and potentially fatal complication of liver cirrhosis. This study aims to analyze the prevalence of SBP among liver cirrhotic patients according to geographical location and income level, and risk factors and outcomes of SBP. Methods: A systematic search for articles describing prevalence, risk factors and outcomes of SBP was conducted. A single-arm meta-analysis was performed using generalized linear mix model (GLMM) with Clopper-Pearson intervals. Results: Ninety-Nine articles, comprising a total of 5,861,142 individuals with cirrhosis were included. Pooled prevalence of SBP was found to be 17.12% globally (CI: 13.63-21.30%), highest in Africa (68.20%; CI: 12.17-97.08%), and lowest in North America (10.81%; CI: 5.32-20.73%). Prevalence of community-acquired SBP was 6.05% (CI: 4.32-8.40%), and 11.11% (CI: 5.84-20.11%,) for healthcare-associated SBP. Antibiotic-resistant microorganisms were found in 11.77% (CI: 7.63-17.73%) of SBP patients. Of which, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was most common (6.23%; CI: 3.83-9.97%), followed by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing organisms (6.19%; CI: 3.32-11.26%), and lastly vancomycin-resistant enterococci (1.91%; CI: 0.41-8.46%). Subgroup analysis comparing prevalence, antibiotic resistance, and outcomes between income groups was conducted to explore a link between socioeconomic status and SBP, which revealed decreased risk of SBP and negative outcomes in high-income countries. Conclusion: SBP remains a frequent complication of liver cirrhosis worldwide. The drawn link between income level and SBP in liver cirrhosis may enable further insight on actions necessary to tackle the disease on a global scale.

A systematic review and meta-analysis on the incidence of osteoporosis and fractures after liver transplant

Following liver transplant (LT), osteoporosis is a severe complication that causes morbidity. However, the incidence and risk factors of osteoporosis and fractures have not been well described. Single-arm meta-analysis of studies reporting osteopenia, osteoporosis, and fractures post-LT was performed with meta-regression for study period. Dichotomous variables, continuous variables and time-to-event variables were pooled in odds ratio, weighted mean difference and hazard ratio, respectively. For risk factors with limited data, a systematic review of literature was conducted. There was a significant increase in both osteoporosis and fractures compared to non-LT patients. Osteopenia, osteoporosis and incident fractures were newly diagnosed in 34.53% (CI: 0.17-0.56, n = 301), 11.68% (CI: 0.05-0.24, n = 1251) and 20.40% (CI: 0.13-0.30, n = 4322) of LT patients, respectively. Female gender (P = 0.017) increased risks of osteoporosis but not older age and BMI. Older age, lower pre-LT bone mineral density (BMD), presence of bone disease pre-LT were significant risk factors for fractures but not female gender, post-menopausal state, BMI, smoking and alcohol. There is a high incidence of skeletal complications post-LT. Older age, lower pre-LT BMD and presence of bone disease pre-LT are significant risk factors that are associated with incident fractures physicians should be cognisant of in liver transplant recipients.

207 Laparoscopic versus Open Surgery for Locally Advanced Colon Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Introduction

While an increasing number of studies substantiate the non-inferiority of laparoscopy to open surgery for pT4 colon cancer, studies investigating its value specific to the subgroup pT4a in right hemicolectomies remain scarce.

Method

We performed a retrospective cohort analysis in National University Hospital of Singapore of patients who underwent a right hemicolectomy for pT4 colon cancer. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon rank sum test and chi square/fisher exact.

Results

In total, 65 patients had T4 colon cancer. 55 underwent right hemicolectomy and 10 underwent extended right hemicolectomy. Baseline demographics were similar in laparoscopic (n = 27) and open (n = 38) groups, with no significant difference in proportion of pT4a patients (p = 0.724). For pT4, 30-day mortality (7%, 5% respectively, p = 0.723), overall survival (p = 0.1903) and disease-free survival (p = 0.3476) did not differ significantly between laparoscopic and open groups. R0 resection rates were significantly higher in laparoscopic group (p = 0.039). pT4a subgroup analysis found similar observations. Other complications including postoperative wound infection and anastomotic bleed were not significantly different for both T4 and T4a analysis.

Conclusions

This study presented comparable safety and oncological outcomes between the two surgical methods for right hemicolectomy, suggesting laparoscopy to be a viable alternative approach for locally advanced right colon cancer.