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Valery PC, Roche S, Brown C, O'Beirne J, Hartel G, Leggett B, Skoien R, Powell EE. High prevalence of diabetes among young First Nations Peoples with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: a population-based study in Australia. Int J Equity Health 2024; 23:84. [PMID: 38689295 PMCID: PMC11061954 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-024-02153-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver disease is an important contributor to the mortality gap between First Nations Peoples and non-Indigenous Australian adults. Despite a high burden of metabolic comorbidities among First Nations Peoples, data about the epidemiology of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in this population is scarce. METHODS A retrospective analysis of all adults hospitalized with MASLD or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) with/without cirrhosis during 2007-2019 in the state of Queensland was performed. Patients were followed from the first admission with MASLD/MASH (identified based on validated algorithms) to decompensated cirrhosis and overall mortality. We explored differences according to Indigenous status using Multivariable Cox regression. FINDINGS 439 First Nations Peoples and 7,547 non-Indigenous Australians were followed for a median of 4.6 years (interquartile range 2.7-7.2). Overall, women were overrepresented, but more so in the First Nations cohort (72.7% vs. 57.0%, p < 0.001). First Nations patients were younger, a higher proportion lived in remote and socioeconomic disadvantaged areas, and had higher comorbidity compared to non-Indigenous Australians (all p < 0.001). Diabetes, the most common comorbidity affecting both groups, was overrepresented in First Nations Peoples versus non-Indigenous Australians (43.5% vs. 30.8%, p < 0.001, respectively). Nineteen (4.3%) First Nations Peoples and 332 (4.4%) of non-Indigenous patients progressed to cirrhosis decompensation (9.0% [95%CI 4.5-17.7] vs. 7.7% [95%CI 6.6-8.9; p = 0.956] respectively within 10 years). In multivariable analysis, there was no association between Indigenous status and progression to decompensated cirrhosis (p = 0.759) and survival (p = 0.437). CONCLUSIONS This study provides the first population-based epidemiological data on MASLD in First Nations Australians. The high prevalence of diabetes (that is associated with advanced fibrosis and liver disease mortality) among young First Nations Peoples with MASLD raises concern about future risk of progressive liver disease in this patient population. These data highlight the importance of early identification of MASLD, and providing culturally appropriate intervention to reduce disease progression in parallel with the management of cardiometabolic comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia C Valery
- Cancer & Chronic Disease Research Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, 4006, Herston, QLD, Australia.
- The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.
| | - Shruti Roche
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Catherine Brown
- Cancer & Chronic Disease Research Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, 4006, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - James O'Beirne
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Gunter Hartel
- Cancer & Chronic Disease Research Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, 4006, Herston, QLD, Australia
- The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
- School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Barbara Leggett
- The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Richard Skoien
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Cancer & Chronic Disease Research Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, 4006, Herston, QLD, Australia
- The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
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Senanayake S, Barnett A, Brain D, Allen M, Powell EE, O'Beirne J, Valery P, Hickman IJ, Kularatna S. A discrete choice experiment to elicit preferences for a chronic disease screening programme in Queensland, Australia. Public Health 2024; 228:105-111. [PMID: 38354579 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2024.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patient-centred care, increasingly highlighted in healthcare strategies, necessitates understanding public preferences for healthcare service attributes. We aimed to understand the preferences of the Australian population regarding the attributes of chronic disease screening programmes. STUDY DESIGN The preferences were elicited using the discrete choice experiment (DCE) methodology. METHODS A DCE was administered to a sample of the Australian general population. Respondents were asked to make choices, each offering two hypothetical screening scenarios defined by screening conduct, quality and accuracy of the test results, cost to the patient, wait time and source of information. Data were analysed using a panel mixed multinomial logit model. RESULTS A strong preference for highly accurate screening tests and nurse-led screenings at local health clinics was evident. They expressed disutility for waiting time and out-of-pocket costs but were indifferent about the source of information. Their preference for a nurse-led programme was highlighted by the fact that they were willing to pay $81 and $88 to get a nurse-led programme when they were offered a general practitioner-led and a specialist-led programme, respectively. Furthermore, they were willing to pay $32 to reduce a week of waiting time and $205 for a 95% accurate test compared to a 75% accurate test. Preferences remained consistent irrespective of the respondent's place of residence. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the importance of diagnostic test accuracy and nurse-led service delivery in chronic disease screening programmes. These insights could guide the development of patient-centric services by enhancing test accuracy, reducing waiting times and promoting nurse-led care models.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Senanayake
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia; Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - A Barnett
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
| | - D Brain
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia.
| | - M Allen
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
| | - E E Powell
- The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; Centre for Liver Disease Research, Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - J O'Beirne
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, Maroochydore DC, QLD 4558, Australia
| | - P Valery
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - I J Hickman
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia; The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - S Kularatna
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia; Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
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Hayward KL, Weersink RA, Bernardes CM, McIvor C, Rahman T, Skoien R, Clark PJ, Stuart KA, Hartel G, Valery PC, Powell EE. Changing Prevalence of Medication Use in People with Cirrhosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study Using Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Data. Drugs Real World Outcomes 2023; 10:605-618. [PMID: 37828144 PMCID: PMC10730495 DOI: 10.1007/s40801-023-00390-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Safe and appropriate use of medicines is essential to improve health outcomes in cirrhosis. However, little is known about the number and type of medicines dispensed to people with cirrhosis in Australia, as this predominantly occurs in the community. We aimed to characterise the prescriptions dispensed to people with cirrhosis and explore changes in the use of medication groups over time. METHODS Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme data between 1 January 2016 and 30 June 2020 was extracted for consenting CirCare participants (multi-site, prospective, observational study). Prescriptions dispensed from cirrhosis diagnosis until liver transplant or death were included. Safety classifications for dispensed medicines were defined using published evidence-based recommendations. The pattern of medication use was analysed in 6-monthly time intervals. Generalised estimating equations models were used to estimate the change in consumption of medicines over time. RESULTS Five hundred twenty-two patients (mean age 60 years, 70% male, 34% decompensated at recruitment) were dispensed 89,615 prescriptions during the follow-up period, representing a median of 136 [interquartile range (IQR) 62-237] prescriptions and a median of 16 (IQR 11-23) unique medicines per patient (total n = 9306 medicines). The most commonly used medicines were proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (dispensed at least once to 73% of patients), opioids (68%) and antibiotics (89%). Polypharmacy was prevalent, with 59-69% of observed participants in each time period dispensed five or more unique medicines. Prescription medication use increased over time (p < 0.001) independently of age, comorbidity burden and liver disease aetiology. The likelihood of taking PPIs, opioids, antidepressants and inhaled medicines also increased with each successive time period. Use of angiotensin therapies, metformin and statins differed over time between patients with compensated versus decompensated cirrhosis. General practitioners prescribed 69% of dispensed medicines, including a higher proportion of 'unsafe' and 'safety unknown' medicines compared with consultants/specialists (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Polypharmacy is common in people with cirrhosis and some medication groups may be overused. Pharmacovigilance is required and future medication safety efforts should target high-risk prescribing practices and promote medication rationalisation in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly L Hayward
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Rianne A Weersink
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Deventer Hospital, Deventer, The Netherlands
| | | | - Carolyn McIvor
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Logan Hospital, Meadowbrook, QLD, Australia
| | - Tony Rahman
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, The Prince Charles Hospital, Chermside, QLD, Australia
| | - Richard Skoien
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Paul J Clark
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mater Hospital, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Katherine A Stuart
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Gunter Hartel
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia.
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Gracen L, Muthukumara W, Aikebuse M, Russell A, O'Beirne J, Irvine KM, Williams S, Puri G, Valery PC, Hayward KL, Powell EE. Lower prevalence of elevated liver stiffness measurements in people with type 2 diabetes taking sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. Ann Hepatol 2023; 28:101142. [PMID: 37468097 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2023.101142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Among people with type 2 diabetes (T2D), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is very common and has an increased risk of clinically significant liver disease. The use of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2i) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1a) receptor agonists is endorsed to reduce major cardiovascular events and/or progression of chronic kidney disease. Their prevalence of use in people with T2D and co-existent NAFLD remains unclear. We sought to determine the prevalence of use of these medications at two different time periods, and their association with prevalence of clinically significant liver disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS Consecutive people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were recruited from diabetes clinics between Jun-2021 and Jun-2022 ('current' cohort). Liver stiffness measurements (LSM) using FibroScan were performed. Medication data were collected prospectively at recruitment and verified with the dispensing pharmacy or general practitioner medical records. Data for a historical cohort with NAFLD and T2D recruited from the same clinics during 2015-2017 ('historical' cohort) were available. Logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with LSM <8.0 or ≥8 kPa (clinically significant fibrosis). RESULTS There were 292 participants, 177 in the historical cohort and 115 in the current cohort. In the current cohort, 57.4% of patients with T2D and NAFLD were taking a GLP-1a and 42.6% were taking a SGLT2i; a 2.6 to 3.4-fold higher prevalence than in 2015-2017. A lower proportion of the current cohort (23.9% compared to 38.4%) had clinically significant fibrosis (LSM ≥8 kPa; p = 0.012). When the cohorts were pooled and differences adjusted for in multivariable logistic regression analysis, patients taking a GLP-1a or a SGLT2i were 2 times more likely to have a lower LSM (<8 kPa) compared to patients not taking these drugs (OR=2.05, 95%CI 1.07-3.94, p = 0.03 and OR 2.07 95%CI 1.04-4.11, p = 0.04, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The observation of a lower LSM in people taking SGLT2i and/or GLP-1a following adjustment for other relevant clinico-demographic variables provides support for clinical trials to assess their efficacy in reducing the progression of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Gracen
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4102, Australia; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, 4102, Australia
| | - Withma Muthukumara
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4102, Australia; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, 4102, Australia
| | - Melanie Aikebuse
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4102, Australia; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, 4102, Australia
| | - Anthony Russell
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, 3004, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3800, Australia; Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4102, Australia
| | - James O'Beirne
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Sunshine Coast, 4560, Australia
| | - Katharine M Irvine
- Mater Research, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, 4102, Australia
| | | | - Gaurav Puri
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Logan hospital, Brisbane, 4131, Australia; HIU Clinical Excellence Queensland, Brisbane, 4131, Australia
| | - Patricia C Valery
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4102, Australia; QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4006, Australia
| | - Kelly L Hayward
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4102, Australia; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, 4102, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4102, Australia; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, 4102, Australia; QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4006, Australia.
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Huang G, Wallace DF, Powell EE, Rahman T, Clark PJ, Subramaniam VN. Gene Variants Implicated in Steatotic Liver Disease: Opportunities for Diagnostics and Therapeutics. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2809. [PMID: 37893185 PMCID: PMC10604560 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102809] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) describes a steatotic (or fatty) liver occurring as a consequence of a combination of metabolic, environmental, and genetic factors, in the absence of significant alcohol consumption and other liver diseases. NAFLD is a spectrum of conditions. Steatosis in the absence of inflammation is relatively benign, but the disease can progress into more severe forms like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD onset and progression are complex, as it is affected by many risk factors. The interaction between genetic predisposition and other factors partially explains the large variability of NAFLD phenotype and natural history. Numerous genes and variants have been identified through large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) that are associated with NAFLD and one or more subtypes of the disease. Among them, the largest effect size and most consistent association have been patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3), transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 (TM6SF2), and membrane-bound O-acyltransferase domain containing 7 (MBOAT7) genes. Extensive in vitro and in vivo studies have been conducted on these variants to validate these associations. The focus of this review is to highlight the genetics underpinning the molecular mechanisms driving the onset and progression of NAFLD and how they could potentially be used to improve genetic-based diagnostic testing of the disease and develop personalized, targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Huang
- Hepatogenomics Research Group, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia;
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia;
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia
| | - Daniel F. Wallace
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia;
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia
- Metallogenomics Laboratory, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E. Powell
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia;
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
| | - Tony Rahman
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4032, Australia;
| | - Paul J. Clark
- Mater Adult Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia;
| | - V. Nathan Subramaniam
- Hepatogenomics Research Group, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia;
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia;
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia
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O'Beirne J, Skoien R, Leggett BA, Hartel GF, Gordon LG, Powell EE, Valery PC. Diabetes mellitus and the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease to decompensated cirrhosis: a retrospective cohort study. Med J Aust 2023; 219:358-365. [PMID: 37749902 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.52104] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the incidence of decompensated cirrhosis and associated risk factors in people hospitalised with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with or without cirrhosis. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study; analysis of linked Queensland Hospital Admitted Patient Data Collection, Queensland Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, and Queensland Cancer Register data. SETTING, PARTICIPANTS Queensland residents aged 20 years or older admitted to Queensland hospitals with NAFLD/NASH during 1 July 2009 - 31 December 2018. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Progression to decompensated cirrhosis (ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, or oesophageal variceal bleeding). RESULTS We included data for 8006 patients in our analysis (10 082 admissions), including 4632 women (58%) and 2514 people with diabetes mellitus (31%); median follow-up time was 4.6 years (interquartile range, 2.7-7.2 years). Three hundred and fifty-one people (4.4%) experienced decompensated cirrhosis during the follow-up period. Of the 6900 people without cirrhosis, 4.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.6-5.7%) experienced decompensated cirrhosis within ten years (mean, 0.5% per year; 95% CI, 0.4-0.6% per year); risk of progression was greater for people aged 70 years or older (v 20-39 years: adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 4.7; 95% CI, 2.0-11.0) and those who had extrahepatic cancers (aHR, 5.0; 95% CI, 3.0-8.2), history of major cardiovascular events (aHR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2-3.1), or diabetes mellitus (aHR, 2.8; 95% CI, 2.0-3.9). Of the 1106 people with cirrhosis, 32.4% (95% CI, 27.2-38.3%) experienced decompensated cirrhosis within ten years (mean, 5.5% per year; 95% CI, 4.8-6.3% per year); risk of progression was greater for those with portal hypertension (aHR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3-2.7), extrahepatic cancer (aHR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1-2.9), or diabetes mellitus (aHR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.0). Compared with people who had neither cirrhosis nor diabetes mellitus, the risk of decompensation was greater for people with cirrhosis (aHR, 10.7; 95% CI, 7.6-15.0) or cirrhosis and diabetes mellitus (aHR, 14.4; 95% CI, 10.1-20.6). CONCLUSIONS Given the greater risk of progression to cirrhosis decompensation in people with diabetes mellitus, a disorder common in people with NAFLD/NASH, identifying advanced fibrosis and providing appropriate treatment for averting disease progression is vital.
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Affiliation(s)
- James O'Beirne
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Buderim, QLD
- Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Kawana Waters, QLD
| | - Richard Skoien
- Royal Brisbane and Woman's Hospital Health Service District, Brisbane, QLD
| | - Barbara A Leggett
- Royal Brisbane and Woman's Hospital Health Service District, Brisbane, QLD
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD
| | - Gunter F Hartel
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD
| | - Louisa G Gordon
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD
- Princess Alexandra Hospital Health Service District, Brisbane, QLD
| | - Patricia C Valery
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD
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Allen MJ, Doran R, Brain D, Powell EE, O'Beirne J, Valery PC, Barnett A, Hettiarachchi R, Hickman IJ, Kularatna S. A discrete choice experiment to elicit preferences for a liver screening programme in Queensland, Australia: a mixed methods study to select attributes and levels. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:950. [PMID: 37670274 PMCID: PMC10481473 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09934-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Australia, the overall prevalence of liver disease is increasing. Maximising uptake of community screening programmes by understanding patient preferences is integral to developing consumer-centred care models for liver disease. Discrete choice experiments (DCEs) are widely used to elicit preferences for various healthcare services. Attribute development is a vital component of a well-designed DCE and should be described in sufficient detail for others to assess the validity of outcomes. Hence, this study aimed to create a list of potential attributes and levels which can be used in a DCE study to elicit preferences for chronic liver disease screening programmes. METHODS Key attributes were developed through a multi-stage, mixed methods design. Focus groups were held with consumers and health care providers on attributes of community screening programmes for liver disease. Stakeholders then prioritised attributes generated from the focus group in order of importance via an online prioritisation survey. The outcomes of the prioritisation exercise were then reviewed and refined by an expert panel to ensure clinically meaningful levels and relevance for a DCE survey. RESULTS Fifteen attributes were generated during the focus group sessions deemed necessary to design liver disease screening services. Outcomes of the prioritisation exercise and expert panel stages recognised five attributes, with three levels each, for inclusion in a DCE survey to elicit consumer preferences for community screening for liver disease. This study also highlights broader social issues such as the stigma around liver disease that require careful consideration by policy makers when designing or implementing a liver screening programme. CONCLUSIONS The attributes and levels identified will inform future DCE surveys to understand consumer preferences for community screening programmes for liver disease. In addition, the outcomes will help inform the implementation of the LOCATE-NAFLD programme in real-world practice, and could be relevant for other liver and non-liver related chronic disease screening programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle J Allen
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Rachael Doran
- Department of Economics and Related Studies, University of York, York, UK
| | - David Brain
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - James O'Beirne
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, QLD, Australia
- Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Birtinya, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Adrian Barnett
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Ingrid J Hickman
- The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Sanjeewa Kularatna
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Valery PC, Powell EE. Predicting clinical outcomes in people with NAFLD: no need for a crystal ball? Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023:S2468-1253(23)00149-8. [PMID: 37290470 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(23)00149-8] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia C Valery
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia.
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Centre for Liver Disease Research, Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Canivet CM, Costentin C, Irvine KM, Delamarre A, Lannes A, Sturm N, Oberti F, Patel PJ, Decaens T, Irles-Depé M, Fouchard I, Hermabessière P, Roux M, Barthelon J, Calès P, Powell EE, de Ledinghen V, Boursier J. Validation of the new 2021 EASL algorithm for the noninvasive diagnosis of advanced fibrosis in NAFLD. Hepatology 2023; 77:920-930. [PMID: 35822302 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [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: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) has recently proposed an algorithm for the diagnosis of advanced liver fibrosis. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of this algorithm in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). APPROACH AND RESULTS One thousand fifty-one patients with NAFLD, liver biopsy, and four noninvasive tests (NITs; Fibrosis-4 [FIB4], vibration controlled transient elastography [VCTE], FibroMeter, Fibrotest) were included. The enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) score was available in 396 patients. A cohort of 230 patients from primary care/diabetes clinics had FIB4, VCTE, and ELF. Compared with the performance of single NITs, agreement between two NITs (FIB4 and VCTE, VCTE and patented serum tests) increased specificity and positive predictive value by 20%, thus justifying the sequential use proposed in the EASL algorithm. The FIB4/VCTE/FibroMeter and FIB4/VCTE/Fibrotest algorithms performed similarly, providing 85% diagnostic accuracy and a liver biopsy requirement rate of only 10%. The FIB4/VCTE/ELF algorithm performed similarly in the subgroup where ELF was available. Simulations of algorithm accuracies at different prevalence showed that positive predictive values rapidly increased, reaching a plateau above 75% starting at 15% prevalence. Negative predictive values remained higher than 90% up to 25% prevalence. The rate of liver biopsy requirement remained stable, increasing by only 5% between low and high prevalence settings. When the EASL algorithm was applied in the primary care/diabetes clinic cohort, liver biopsy requirement was only 3%, and the agreement among the three steps provided 75% positive predictive value. CONCLUSIONS Our study validates the algorithm proposed by the EASL in its latest 2021 guidelines for the diagnosis of advanced fibrosis in the setting of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence M Canivet
- Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie et Oncologie Digestive , Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers , Angers , France
- Laboratoire HIFIH, UPRES EA3859, SFR 4208 , Université d'Angers , Angers , France
| | - Charlotte Costentin
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences , Research Center UGA/Inserm U 1209/CNRS 5309 , Grenoble , France
- Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie , Centre Hospitalier universitaire Grenoble-Alpes , La tronche , France
| | - Katharina M Irvine
- Mater Research , The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute , Woolloongabba, Brisbane , Queensland , Australia
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Translational Research Institute , The University of Queensland , Woolloongabba, Brisbane , Queensland , Australia
| | - Adèle Delamarre
- Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpital Haut-Lévêque , Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux , Pessac , France
- INSERM U1312 , Université de Bordeaux , Bordeaux , France
| | - Adrien Lannes
- Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie et Oncologie Digestive , Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers , Angers , France
- Laboratoire HIFIH, UPRES EA3859, SFR 4208 , Université d'Angers , Angers , France
| | - Nathalie Sturm
- Service d'Anatomie et de Cytologie Pathologique , Centre Hospitalier universitaire Grenoble-Alpes , La tronche , France
| | - Frederic Oberti
- Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie et Oncologie Digestive , Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers , Angers , France
- Laboratoire HIFIH, UPRES EA3859, SFR 4208 , Université d'Angers , Angers , France
| | - Preya J Patel
- Liver Unit , Freeman Hospital , Newcastle Upon Tyne , UK
| | - Thomas Decaens
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences , Research Center UGA/Inserm U 1209/CNRS 5309 , Grenoble , France
- Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie , Centre Hospitalier universitaire Grenoble-Alpes , La tronche , France
| | - Marie Irles-Depé
- Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpital Haut-Lévêque , Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux , Pessac , France
- INSERM U1312 , Université de Bordeaux , Bordeaux , France
| | - Isabelle Fouchard
- Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie et Oncologie Digestive , Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers , Angers , France
- Laboratoire HIFIH, UPRES EA3859, SFR 4208 , Université d'Angers , Angers , France
| | - Paul Hermabessière
- Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpital Haut-Lévêque , Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux , Pessac , France
- INSERM U1312 , Université de Bordeaux , Bordeaux , France
| | - Marine Roux
- Laboratoire HIFIH, UPRES EA3859, SFR 4208 , Université d'Angers , Angers , France
| | - Justine Barthelon
- Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie , Centre Hospitalier universitaire Grenoble-Alpes , La tronche , France
| | - Paul Calès
- Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie et Oncologie Digestive , Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers , Angers , France
- Laboratoire HIFIH, UPRES EA3859, SFR 4208 , Université d'Angers , Angers , France
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Translational Research Institute , The University of Queensland , Woolloongabba, Brisbane , Queensland , Australia
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology , Princess Alexandra Hospital , Woolloongabba, Brisbane , Queensland , Australia
| | - Victor de Ledinghen
- Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpital Haut-Lévêque , Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux , Pessac , France
- INSERM U1312 , Université de Bordeaux , Bordeaux , France
| | - Jérôme Boursier
- Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie et Oncologie Digestive , Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers , Angers , France
- Laboratoire HIFIH, UPRES EA3859, SFR 4208 , Université d'Angers , Angers , France
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Valery PC, Stuart KA, Bernardes CM, Hartel G, Martin C, Gordon L, Powell EE. Higher levels of supportive care needs are linked to higher health service use and cost, poor quality of life, and high distress in patients with cirrhosis in Queensland, Australia. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0066. [PMID: 36848120 PMCID: PMC9974077 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000066] [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: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Australians with cirrhosis have significant practical and psychosocial needs. This longitudinal study examined the association between supportive care needs and health service use and costs, and patient outcomes from June 2017 to December 2018. METHODS The Supportive Needs Assessment tool for Cirrhosis (SNAC), quality of life (Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire and Short Form 36), and distress (distress thermometer) were self-reported through an interview at recruitment (n=433). Clinical data were obtained from medical records and through linkage, and health service use and costs through linkage. Patients were grouped as by needs status. Rates of hospital admissions (per person days at risk) and costs were assessed by needs status [incidence rate ratios (IRR), Poisson regression]. Multivariable linear regression was used to assess the differences in SNAC scores by quality of life and distress. Multivariable models included Child-Pugh class, age, sex, recruitment hospital, living arrangements, place of residence, comorbidity burden, and primary liver disease etiology. RESULTS In adjusted analyses, compared with patients with low/no needs, patients with unmet needs had more cirrhosis-related admissions (adjusted IRR=2.11, 95% CI=1.48-3.13; p<0.001), admissions through the emergency department (IRR=2.99, 95% CI=1.80-4.97, p<0.001), and emergency presentations (IRR=3.57, 95% CI=1.41-9.02; p<0.001). Total hospitalization costs for cirrhosis admissions were higher for those with unmet needs ($431,242 per person days at risk) compared with those with met needs ($87,363 per person days at risk, adjusted cost ratio=3.52, 95%CI=3.49-3.54; p<0.001). In multivariable analysis, increasing overall mean SNAC scores (higher needs) were correlated with poorer quality of life and higher level of distress (p<0.001 for all comparisons). CONCLUSIONS Patients with cirrhosis and high unmet psychosocial needs and practical and physical needs have poor quality of life, high distress, and very high service use and costs, highlighting the importance of urgently addressing unmet needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia C. Valery
- Population Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Katherine A. Stuart
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Christina M. Bernardes
- Population Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Gunter Hartel
- Population Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Cathy Martin
- Social Work Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Louisa Gordon
- Population Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E. Powell
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Powell EE, Stuart KA, Finnigan S, Hinson J, Bernardes CM, Hartel G, Valery PC. Low Prevalence of Use of Allied Health and Community Services for Patients with Cirrhosis in Australia: A Need for Greater Engagement. Patient Prefer Adherence 2023; 17:1117-1130. [PMID: 37102126 PMCID: PMC10124554 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s405567] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Psychosocial, lifestyle and practical needs are not routinely attended to during outpatient hepatology management, and little is known about the type and effectiveness of support services accessed by patients with cirrhosis. We quantified the type and use of community and allied health services in patients with cirrhosis. Methods The study included 562 Australian adults with a diagnosis of cirrhosis. Health service use was assessed via questionnaire and via linkage to the Australian Medicare Benefits Schedule. Patient needs were assessed using the Supportive Needs Assessment tool for Cirrhosis (SNAC). Results Although most patients (85.9%) used at least one community/allied health service for support with their liver disease, many reported requiring additional help with psychosocial (67.4%), lifestyle (34.3%) or practical needs (21.9%) that were not met by available services, or patients did not access services. A multidisciplinary care plan or case conference (in the 12 months prior to recruitment) was accessed by 48% of patients, 56.2% reported the use of a general practitioner for support with cirrhosis, and a dietician was the allied health clinician most accessed by patients (45.9%). Despite the high prevalence of psychosocial needs, there was relatively limited use of mental health and social work services (14.1% of patients reported the use of a psychologist), confirmed by a low prevalence of use of mental health services (17.7%) in the linked data. Conclusion Patients with cirrhosis who have unmet complex physical and psychosocial needs require better strategies to increase their engagement with allied health and community services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth E Powell
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Katherine A Stuart
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Simon Finnigan
- Community and Oral Health, Metro North Health, Chermside, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jan Hinson
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Allied Health, Australian Catholic University, Banyo, Queensland, Australia
| | - Christina M Bernardes
- Population Health Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Gunter Hartel
- Statistics, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Patricia C Valery
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
- Population Health Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- Correspondence: Patricia C Valery, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Queensland, 4006, Australia, Tel +61 07 3362 0376, Email
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12
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Ferrari-Cestari M, Okano S, Patel PJ, Horsfall LU, Keshvari S, Hume DA, Williams S, Russell A, Powell EE, Irvine KM. Serum CCL2 is associated with visceral adiposity but not fibrosis in patients with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Dig Dis 2022; 41:439-446. [PMID: 36327947 DOI: 10.1159/000527784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is caused by ectopic fat accumulation in the liver as a consequence of metabolic perturbations associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. People with NAFLD may develop metabolic and cardiovascular complications, and/or liver-related complications, especially fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, associated with high morbidity and mortality. Due to the high and increasing prevalence of NAFLD there is an urgent need to identify people at risk of developing liver fibrosis and complications. CC-chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) is chemokine that attracts inflammatory monocytes to stressed or injured tissues. Infiltrating inflammatory monocytes, and CCL2, are strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of liver disease in animal models, however evidence in patient cohorts is conflicting. METHODS We investigated associations between circulating CCL2 and clinical parameters, including fibrosis assessed by liver stiffness measurement, in a cohort of 250 NAFLD patients. We also measured Fatty Acid Binding Protein 2 (FABP2), a putative biomarker of intestinal permeability in patients with liver disease, since pro-inflammatory gut-derived microbial products may induce inflammatory chemokines such as CCL2. RESULTS Serum CCL2 levels were weakly associated with liver stiffness, but the association was no longer significant after accounting for age, diabetes and BMI in a multivariable model. Consistent with this, girth and BMI were the strongest predictors of elevated circulating CCL2. Serum FABP2 was weakly, but significantly, correlated with CCL2, and negatively correlated with estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR). CONCLUSION Circulating CCL2 and FABP2 are associated with NAFLD co-morbidities, but not liver disease progression in patients with NAFLD.
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Gracen L, Hayward KL, Irvine KM, Valery PC, Powell EE. Low accuracy of FIB-4 test to identify people with diabetes at low risk of advanced fibrosis. J Hepatol 2022; 77:1219-1221. [PMID: 35764234 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Gracen
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kelly L Hayward
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Katharine M Irvine
- Mater Research, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Patricia C Valery
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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Valery PC, Bernardes CM, Hayward KL, Hartel G, Haynes K, Gordon LG, Stuart KA, Wright PL, Johnson A, Powell EE. Poor disease knowledge is associated with higher healthcare service use and costs among patients with cirrhosis: an exploratory study. BMC Gastroenterol 2022; 22:340. [PMID: 35836105 PMCID: PMC9284723 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-022-02407-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Optimal management of cirrhosis is complex, and patients often lack knowledge and skills, which can affect self-management. We assessed patient knowledge about cirrhosis and examined whether knowledge was associated with clinical outcomes, healthcare service use, and healthcare costs. A cross-sectional 'knowledge survey' was conducted during 2018-2020. We assessed patient knowledge about cirrhosis and explore whether knowledge was associated with clinical outcomes, healthcare service use, and costs. METHODS Patients with cirrhosis (n = 123) completed a 'knowledge survey'. We calculated the proportion of correct answers to eight questions deemed to be "key knowledge" about cirrhosis by an expert panel, and dichotomized patients as 'good knowledge'/'poor knowledge'. Clinical data, healthcare costs, and health-related quality of life (SF-36) were available. RESULTS 58.5% of patients had 'good knowledge' about cirrhosis. Higher education level was associated with higher odds of having 'good knowledge' about cirrhosis (adjusted-OR = 5.55, 95%CI 2.40-12.84). Compared to patients with 'poor knowledge', those with 'good knowledge' had a higher health status in the SF-36 physical functioning domain (p = 0.011), fewer cirrhosis-related admissions (adjusted incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.59, 95%CI 0.35-0.99) and emergency presentations (adj-IRR = 0.34, 95%CI 0.16-0.72), and more planned 1-day cirrhosis admissions (adj-IRR = 3.96, 95%CI 1.46-10.74). The total cost of cirrhosis admissions was lower for patients with 'good knowledge' (adj-IRR = 0.30, 95%CI 0.29-0.30). CONCLUSION Poor disease knowledge is associated with increased use and total cost of healthcare services. Targeted educational interventions to improve patient knowledge may be an effective strategy to promote a more cost-effective use of healthcare services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia C Valery
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia. .,Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Christina M Bernardes
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Kelly L Hayward
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Gunter Hartel
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | | | - Louisa G Gordon
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Katherine A Stuart
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Penny L Wright
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Amy Johnson
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
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Amarasena S, Clark PJ, Gordon LG, Toombs M, Pratt G, Hartel G, Bernardes CM, Powell EE, Valery PC. Differences in the pattern and cost of hospital care between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians with cirrhosis: an exploratory study. Intern Med J 2022. [PMID: 35717648 DOI: 10.1111/imj.15854] [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: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver diseases are important contributors to the mortality gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. AIMS This cohort study examined factors associated with hospital admissions and healthcare outcomes among Indigenous Australians with cirrhosis. METHODS Patient-reported outcomes were obtained by face-to-face interview (Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire and Short Form 36 (SF-36)). Clinical data were extracted from medical records and through data linkage for 534 patients (25 indigenous). Cumulative overall survival (Kaplan-Meier), rates of hospital admissions and emergency presentations, and costs were assessed by indigenous status. Incidence rate ratios (IRR; Poisson regression) were reported. RESULTS Indigenous Australians admitted to hospital with cirrhosis had lower educational status compared with non-indigenous patients (79.2% vs 43.4%; P < 0.001). The two groups had, in general, similar clinical characteristics including disease severity (P = 0.78), presence of cirrhosis complications (P = 0.67), comorbidities (P = 0.62), rates of cirrhosis-related admissions (P = 0.86) and 5-year survival (P = 0.30). However, indigenous patients had a lower score in the SF-36 domain related to bodily pain (P = 0.037), more cirrhosis admissions via the emergency department (IRR = 1.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10-1.83) and fewer planned cirrhosis admissions (IRR = 0.32, 95% CI 0.14-0.72). The total cost for cirrhosis-related hospital admissions for 534 patients over 6 years (July 2012 to June 2018) was A$13.7 million. The cost of cirrhosis-related hospital admissions was double for indigenous patients (cost ratio = 2.04, 95% CI 2.04-2.05). CONCLUSIONS Our data highlight the disparities in health service use and patient-reported outcomes, despite having similar clinical profiles. Integration between primary care, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and liver specialists is critical for appropriate health service delivery and effective use of resources. Chronic liver disease costs the community dearly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samath Amarasena
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Paul J Clark
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mater Hospitals, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Louisa G Gordon
- Population Health Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Maree Toombs
- Rural Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Greg Pratt
- Population Health Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Gunter Hartel
- Population Health Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Christina M Bernardes
- Population Health Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Centre for Liver Disease Research, Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Patricia C Valery
- Population Health Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Ufere NN, Hinson J, Finnigan S, Powell EE, Donlan J, Martin C, Clark P, Valery PC. The Impact of Social Workers in Cirrhosis Care: a Systematic Review. Curr Treat Options Gastroenterol 2022; 20:160-176. [PMID: 35676928 PMCID: PMC9167183 DOI: 10.1007/s11938-022-00381-2] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of review To report social workers' involvement in supporting patients with cirrhosis. Recent findings Six intervention studies (three published in the past 3 years) highlighed the potential role of social worker-led interventions to improve the outcomes of patients with cirrhosis. In studies of patients with alcohol-related liver disease (n = 4), social workers conducted psychosocial assessments, screened for substance use disorder and psychological distress, coordinated referrals to addiction services, and provided relapse prevention therapy. In studies including transplant recipients or candidates (n = 2), social workers focused on psychosocial interventions. In two studies (n = 1 patient with alcohol-related liver disease; n = 1 transplant recipients), social workers provided practical support (e.g., housing, transportation). Most articles provided limited information about the intervention and the role of the social worker, making comparisons of the studies difficult. Summary More high-quality evidence is needed to formally assess the impact of social workers in improving the outcomes of patients with cirrhosis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11938-022-00381-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nneka N Ufere
- Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Jan Hinson
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Allied Health, Social Work Discipline, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane Campus (McAuley), 1100 Nudgee Road, Banyo, QLD 4014 Australia
| | - Simon Finnigan
- Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Metro South Health, Level 3, Buranda Village, Buranda, QLD 4102 Australia.,Department of Social Work, Princess Alexandra Hospital, 199 Ipswish Road, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Australia.,UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4029 Australia
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, 199 Ipswish Road, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Australia
| | - John Donlan
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Cathy Martin
- Queensland Liver Transplant Service, Princess Alexandra Hospital, 199 Ipswish Road, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102 Australia
| | - Phil Clark
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Allied Health, Social Work Discipline, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane Campus (McAuley), 1100 Nudgee Road, Banyo, QLD 4014 Australia
| | - Patricia C Valery
- Population Health Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, QLD 4006 Australia
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Gracen L, Hayward KL, Aikebuse M, Williams S, Russell A, O'Beirne J, Powell EE, Valery PC. An exploration of barriers and facilitators to implementing a nonalcoholic fatty liver disease pathway for people with type 2 diabetes in primary care. Diabet Med 2022; 39:e14799. [PMID: 35100462 PMCID: PMC9303899 DOI: 10.1111/dme.14799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS We explored barriers and facilitators to the implementation of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathway for people with diabetes to identify determinants of behaviour surrounding the diagnosis, assessment and management of NAFLD. METHODS Health practitioners (n = 24) recruited from multidisciplinary diabetes clinics in primary care (n = 3) and hospital (n = 1) settings participated in four focus group discussions, and common themes were identified using thematic analysis. RESULTS Lack of knowledge and access to resources were key factors that underpinned an inconsistent approach by clinicians to NAFLD diagnosis and risk stratification and impacted their confidence to discuss the diagnosis with patients. Participants often prioritised other medical issues above NAFLD due to lack of concern about liver-related consequences, reluctance to overburden patients with information, lack of time and perceived absence of accessible fibrosis tests. All participants agreed that implementation of a NAFLD pathway would improve patient care and the general practitioners proposed that screening for NAFLD could be incorporated into routine review cycles for type 2 diabetes. A consistent message from participants was that educating patients about their liver disease needs to be implemented in an integrated care pathway. CONCLUSIONS From the perspectives of health practitioners, there is a gap in clinical practice for the implementation of clear, evidence-based guidelines for NAFLD in people with T2D. By focusing on comorbidity prevention and integrating NAFLD as a diabetes complication to be addressed during established cycles of care, many barriers to implementing a NAFLD pathway in primary care could be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Gracen
- Centre for Liver Disease ResearchFaculty of MedicineTranslational Research InstituteThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyPrincess Alexandra HospitalBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Kelly L. Hayward
- Centre for Liver Disease ResearchFaculty of MedicineTranslational Research InstituteThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyPrincess Alexandra HospitalBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Melanie Aikebuse
- Centre for Liver Disease ResearchFaculty of MedicineTranslational Research InstituteThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyPrincess Alexandra HospitalBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | | | - Anthony Russell
- Centre for Health Services ResearchFaculty of MedicineThe University of QueenslandWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia
- Department of EndocrinologyPrincess Alexandra HospitalBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - James O'Beirne
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologySunshine Coast University HospitalBirtinyaAustralia
| | - Elizabeth E. Powell
- Centre for Liver Disease ResearchFaculty of MedicineTranslational Research InstituteThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyPrincess Alexandra HospitalBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Patricia C. Valery
- Centre for Liver Disease ResearchFaculty of MedicineTranslational Research InstituteThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteRoyal Brisbane HospitalBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
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18
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Ratnasekera IU, Johnson A, Powell EE, Henderson A, Irvine KM, Valery PC. Epidemiology of ascites fluid infections in patients with cirrhosis in Queensland, Australia from 2008 to 2017: A population-based study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e29217. [PMID: 35608422 PMCID: PMC9276389 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000029217] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), a common infection in patients with cirrhosis and ascites, is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in the epidemiology of ascites fluid infections over time in an Australian population, including patient demographics, trends in mortality, length of hospital stay and the nature and antibiotic resistance profile of causative organisms.An observational descriptive population-based epidemiological study of patients with cirrhosis admitted to public hospitals in Queensland during 2008-2017 was performed, linking demographic/clinical and microbiology data.Among 103,165 hospital admissions of patients with cirrhosis, ascites was present in 16,550 and in 60% (9977) a sample of ascitic fluid was tested. SBP was diagnosed in 770 admissions (neutrophil count >250/ml) and bacterascites in 552 (neutrophil count <250/ml with positive culture). The number of admissions with an ascites fluid infection increased by 76% from 2008 to 2017, paralleling an 84% increase in cirrhosis admissions over the same timeframe. Patients with SBP had a longer hospital stay (median 15.7 vs 8.3 days for patients without SBP, P < .001) and higher in-hospital mortality, although this decreased from 39.5% in 2008 to 2010 to 24.8% in 2015 to 2017 (P < .001). Common Gram-positive isolates included coagulase negative staphylococci (37.9%), viridans group streptococci (12.1%), and Staphylococcus aureus (7.2%). Common Gram-negative isolates included Escherichia coli (13.0%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (3.1%) and Enterobacter cloacae (2.6%). The prevalence of resistance to any tested antibiotic was <10%.SBP remains associated with high in-hospital mortality and long hospital stay. Typical skin and bowel pathogens were common, therefore, empirical antibiotic therapy should target these pathogens. This study provides valuable evidence informing infection management strategies in this vulnerable patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amy Johnson
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E. Powell
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Andrew Henderson
- Infection Management Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
- University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Herston, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Katharine M. Irvine
- Mater Research Institute, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Patricia C. Valery
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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19
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Hayward KL, Bansal V, Valery PC, Irvine KM, Wright PL, Tallis CJ, Stuart KA, Cottrell WN, Martin JH, Powell EE. Patient-oriented medication education intervention has long-term benefits for people with decompensated cirrhosis. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:3281-3282. [PMID: 35560798 PMCID: PMC9592784 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly L. Hayward
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Translational Research InstituteThe University of QueenslandWoolloongabba, BrisbaneQueenslandAustralia,Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyPrincess Alexandra HospitalWoolloongabba, BrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Vikas Bansal
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Translational Research InstituteThe University of QueenslandWoolloongabba, BrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Patricia C. Valery
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Translational Research InstituteThe University of QueenslandWoolloongabba, BrisbaneQueenslandAustralia,QIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteHerston, BrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Katharine M. Irvine
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Translational Research InstituteThe University of QueenslandWoolloongabba, BrisbaneQueenslandAustralia,Mater Research, Translational Research InstituteThe University of QueenslandWoolloongabba, BrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Penny L. Wright
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyPrincess Alexandra HospitalWoolloongabba, BrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Caroline J. Tallis
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyPrincess Alexandra HospitalWoolloongabba, BrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Katherine A. Stuart
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyPrincess Alexandra HospitalWoolloongabba, BrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - W. Neil Cottrell
- Faculty of Health and Behavioural SciencesThe University of QueenslandSt Lucia, BrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Jennifer H. Martin
- School of Medicine and Public HealthUniversity of NewcastleCallaghan, NewcastleQueenslandAustralia
| | - Elizabeth E. Powell
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Translational Research InstituteThe University of QueenslandWoolloongabba, BrisbaneQueenslandAustralia,Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyPrincess Alexandra HospitalWoolloongabba, BrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
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20
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Brunt EM, Clouston AD, Goodman Z, Guy C, Kleiner DE, Lackner C, Tiniakos DG, Wee A, Yeh M, Leow WQ, Chng E, Ren Y, Boon Bee GG, Powell EE, Rinella M, Sanyal AJ, Neuschwander-Tetri B, Younossi Z, Charlton M, Ratziu V, Harrison SA, Tai D, Anstee QM. Complexity of ballooned hepatocyte feature recognition: Defining a training atlas for artificial intelligence-based imaging in NAFLD. J Hepatol 2022; 76:1030-1041. [PMID: 35090960 PMCID: PMC10544770 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Histologically assessed hepatocyte ballooning is a key feature discriminating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) from steatosis (NAFL). Reliable identification underpins patient inclusion in clinical trials and serves as a key regulatory-approved surrogate endpoint for drug efficacy. High inter/intra-observer variation in ballooning measured using the NASH CRN semi-quantitative score has been reported yet no actionable solutions have been proposed. METHODS A focused evaluation of hepatocyte ballooning recognition was conducted. Digitized slides were evaluated by 9 internationally recognized expert liver pathologists on 2 separate occasions: each pathologist independently marked every ballooned hepatocyte and later provided an overall non-NASH NAFL/NASH assessment. Interobserver variation was assessed and a 'concordance atlas' of ballooned hepatocytes generated to train second harmonic generation/two-photon excitation fluorescence imaging-based artificial intelligence (AI). RESULTS The Fleiss kappa statistic for overall interobserver agreement for presence/absence of ballooning was 0.197 (95% CI 0.094-0.300), rising to 0.362 (0.258-0.465) with a ≥5-cell threshold. However, the intraclass correlation coefficient for consistency was higher (0.718 [0.511-0.900]), indicating 'moderate' agreement on ballooning burden. 133 ballooned cells were identified using a ≥5/9 majority to train AI ballooning detection (AI-pathologist pairwise concordance 19-42%, comparable to inter-pathologist pairwise concordance of between 8-75%). AI quantified change in ballooned cell burden in response to therapy in a separate slide set. CONCLUSIONS The substantial divergence in hepatocyte ballooning identified amongst expert hepatopathologists suggests that ballooning is a spectrum, too subjective for its presence or complete absence to be unequivocally determined as a trial endpoint. A concordance atlas may be used to train AI assistive technologies to reproducibly quantify ballooned hepatocytes that standardize assessment of therapeutic efficacy. This atlas serves as a reference standard for ongoing work to refine how ballooning is classified by both pathologists and AI. LAY SUMMARY For the first time, we show that, even amongst expert hepatopathologists, there is poor agreement regarding the number of ballooned hepatocytes seen on the same digitized histology images. This has important implications as the presence of ballooning is needed to establish the diagnosis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and its unequivocal absence is one of the key requirements to show 'NASH resolution' to support drug efficacy in clinical trials. Artificial intelligence-based approaches may provide a more reliable way to assess the range of injury recorded as "hepatocyte ballooning".
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Brunt
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA.
| | - Andrew D Clouston
- Molecular and Cellular Pathology, University of Queensland and Envoi Specialist Pathologists, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Zachary Goodman
- Pathology Department, and Center for Liver Diseases, Inova Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, Virginia, USA
| | - Cynthia Guy
- Division of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - David E Kleiner
- Laboratory of Pathology; Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Carolin Lackner
- Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Dina G Tiniakos
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Dept of Pathology, Aretaieion Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Aileen Wee
- Department of Pathology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Matthew Yeh
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Wei Qiang Leow
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore & Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | | | | | - George Goh Boon Bee
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mary Rinella
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA
| | - Arun J Sanyal
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Zobair Younossi
- Betty and Guy Beatty Center for Integrated Research, Inova Health System, Falls Church, Virginia, USA
| | - Michael Charlton
- Center for Liver Diseases, and Transplantation Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Vlad Ratziu
- Department of Hepatology, Sorbonne University and Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Stephen A Harrison
- Pinnacle Clinical Research, San Antonio, USA; Hepatology, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Dean Tai
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore & Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.
| | - Quentin M Anstee
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Newcastle NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
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21
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Brown C, Shahid S, Bernardes CM, Toombs M, Clark PJ, Powell EE, Valery PC. Partnering with support persons and clinicians to improve the health care experiences of patients with cirrhosis. J Clin Nurs 2022; 32:2559-2574. [PMID: 35451073 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16302] [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: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM To explore the care experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians diagnosed with cirrhosis with a focus on support needed. BACKGROUND Cirrhosis disproportionately affects Indigenous Australians, and liver diseases contribute to the mortality gap between Indigenous and other Australian adults. DESIGN A qualitative study. METHODS Using yarning methods, Indigenous patients (n = 13) and support persons (n = 3) were interviewed by an Aboriginal researcher during April-July, 2020. Thematic analysis was used to identify common themes using an inductive approach. RESULTS Six themes emerged. (1) Experience of diagnosis. This theme included stories of delays in the system, self-awareness of signs and symptoms and relief of being diagnosed. (2) 'Shame, shame, shame'. Experiences of prejudices and discrimination from health professionals, the lack of understanding of cirrhosis among health professionals, and stories about alcohol cessation and counselling around alcohol cessation. (3) Health literacy. Participants' understanding of cirrhosis was variable. While the importance of knowledge was recognised, 'what works for someone might not work for others'. Several patients partnered with their support persons and clinicians to bridge the health literacy gap. (4) Sources of support included family and friends, transport facilities, health professionals and peers. (5) Positive and negative aspects of communication and patient consultation were discussed. (6) Psychosocial counselling to 'look after the caring side'. The need for more mental health care services was raised. CONCLUSION Barriers related to poor health literacy, stigma and lack of practical and emotional support, and issues with communication and patient consultation, may lead to inequitable access to cirrhosis care and treatment for Indigenous Australians. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Gaining knowledge of the experiences of Indigenous Australians with cirrhosis is important for providing patient-centred and culturally appropriate care. Liver specialist nurses have an important role in bridging the health literacy gap and in supporting Indigenous patients and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Brown
- Population Health Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Shaouli Shahid
- Centre for Aboriginal Studies, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Christina M Bernardes
- Population Health Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Maree Toombs
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Paul J Clark
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mater Hospitals, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Patricia C Valery
- Population Health Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
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22
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Gracen L, Hayward KL, Aikebuse M, Russell A, O'Beirne J, McPhail S, Irvine KM, Williams S, Valery PC, Powell EE. Implementing the right care in the right place at the right time for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD-RRR study): a study protocol for a community care pathway for people with type 2 diabetes. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:487. [PMID: 35413987 PMCID: PMC9004198 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07808-7] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an emerging epidemic that affects approximately half of all people with type 2 diabetes. Those with type 2 diabetes are a high-risk NAFLD subgroup because of their increased risk of clinically significant liver-related outcomes from NAFLD which include hepatocellular carcinoma, cirrhosis-related complications and liver disease mortality. They may benefit from early detection of disease as this would allow at risk patients to access hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance, emerging drug trials for NAFLD and specialist hepatology care prior to emergence of liver-related complications. Methods This is a prospective cohort study aimed at incorporating and assessing a community care pathway for liver fibrosis screening into routine care for type 2 diabetes. Patients undergo a point of care assessment of hepatic steatosis and stiffness using FibroScan at the time of the routine diabetes appointment or when attending the clinic for blood tests in preparation for this appointment. Discussion We propose that implementation of a community-based NAFLD diagnosis, risk-stratification, and referral pathway for people with type 2 diabetes is feasible, will provide earlier, targeted detection of advanced fibrosis, and reduce unnecessary referrals to hepatology outpatients for fibrosis risk assessment. Our study will provide important information about the feasibility of establishing a NAFLD pathway for people with type 2 diabetes in primary care. Ultimately, our findings will help direct spending and resource allocation for NAFLD in a high-risk population. Regular evaluation by stakeholders during implementation will help to create a reliable and sustainable community care pathway and establish a perpetual cycle of learning in primary care. Trial registration ANZCTR, ACTRN12621000330842. Registered 23 March 2021. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-07808-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Gracen
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Level 5, West Wing, 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kelly L Hayward
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Level 5, West Wing, 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Melanie Aikebuse
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Level 5, West Wing, 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Anthony Russell
- Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - James O'Beirne
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Birtinya, QLD, Australia
| | - Steven McPhail
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation School of Public Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Digital Health and Informatics, Metro South Health, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Katharine M Irvine
- Mater Research, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Patricia C Valery
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Level 5, West Wing, 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia.,QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Level 5, West Wing, 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia. .,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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23
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Jouffe C, Weger BD, Martin E, Atger F, Weger M, Gobet C, Ramnath D, Charpagne A, Morin-Rivron D, Powell EE, Sweet MJ, Masoodi M, Uhlenhaut NH, Gachon F. Disruption of the circadian clock component BMAL1 elicits an endocrine adaption impacting on insulin sensitivity and liver disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2200083119. [PMID: 35238641 PMCID: PMC8916004 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2200083119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
SignificanceWhile increasing evidence associates the disruption of circadian rhythms with pathologic conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD), the involved mechanisms are still poorly described. Here, we show that, in both humans and mice, the pathogenesis of NAFLD is associated with the disruption of the circadian clock combined with perturbations of the growth hormone and sex hormone pathways. However, while this condition protects mice from the development of fibrosis and insulin resistance, it correlates with increased fibrosis in humans. This suggests that the perturbation of the circadian clock and its associated disruption of the growth hormone and sex hormone pathways are critical for the pathogenesis of metabolic and liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Jouffe
- Nestlé Research, Société des Produits Nestlé, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lausanne, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, DE-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Benjamin D. Weger
- Nestlé Research, Société des Produits Nestlé, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Eva Martin
- Nestlé Research, Société des Produits Nestlé, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Florian Atger
- Nestlé Research, Société des Produits Nestlé, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lausanne, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Meltem Weger
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Cédric Gobet
- Nestlé Research, Société des Produits Nestlé, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Divya Ramnath
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Aline Charpagne
- Nestlé Research, Société des Produits Nestlé, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Elizabeth E. Powell
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane QLD 4102, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Center for Liver Disease Research, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Matthew J. Sweet
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Mojgan Masoodi
- Nestlé Research, Société des Produits Nestlé, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Bern University Hospital, Bern 3010, Switzerland
| | - N. Henriette Uhlenhaut
- Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, DE-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Metabolic Programming, Technical University of Munich School of Life Sciences, DE-85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Frédéric Gachon
- Nestlé Research, Société des Produits Nestlé, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia QLD 4072, Australia
- School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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24
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Radford-Smith DE, Patel PJ, Irvine KM, Russell A, Siskind D, Anthony DC, Powell EE, Probert F. Depressive symptoms in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are identified by perturbed lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0261555. [PMID: 34990473 PMCID: PMC8735618 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261555] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and depression are common disorders and have bidirectional contributing relationships to metabolic syndrome. We aimed to determine whether a fasting serum signature of recent, self-reported depressive symptoms could be identified in a heterogeneous NAFLD cohort using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics integrated with clinical chemistry. Serum nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolite profiles and corresponding clinical chemistry were compared between patients with depressive symptoms in the last 12-months (n = 81) and patients without recent depressive symptoms (n = 137 controls) using multivariate statistics. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) of the biochemical and metabolomic data identified NAFLD patients with recent depression with a cross-validated accuracy of 61.5%, independent of age, sex, medication, and other comorbidities. This led to the development of a diagnostic algorithm with AUC 0.83 for future testing in larger clinical cohorts. Serum triglycerides, VLDL cholesterol, and the inflammatory biomarker GlycA were key metabolites increased in patients with recent depressive symptoms, while serum glutamine level was reduced. Here, serum NMR metabolite analysis provides a link between disturbed lipid metabolism, inflammation, and active mental health issues in NAFLD, irrespective of disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E. Radford-Smith
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Preya J. Patel
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- The Liver Unit, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Katharine M. Irvine
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Mater Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Anthony Russell
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Dan Siskind
- School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
- Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Service, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Daniel C. Anthony
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth E. Powell
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Fay Probert
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Keshvari S, Genz B, Teakle N, Caruso M, Cestari MF, Patkar OL, Tse BWC, Sokolowski KA, Ebersbach H, Jascur J, MacDonald KPA, Miller G, Ramm GA, Pettit AR, Clouston AD, Powell EE, Hume DA, Irvine KM. Therapeutic potential of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (CSF1) in chronic liver disease. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:274391. [PMID: 35169835 PMCID: PMC9044210 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Resident and recruited macrophages control the development and proliferation of the liver. We showed previously in multiple species that treatment with a macrophage colony stimulating factor (CSF1)-Fc fusion protein initiated hepatocyte proliferation and promoted repair in models of acute hepatic injury in mice. Here we investigated the impact of CSF1-Fc on resolution of advanced fibrosis and liver regeneration, utilizing a non-resolving toxin-induced model of chronic liver injury and fibrosis in C57BL/6J mice. Co-administration of CSF1-Fc with exposure to thioacetamide (TAA) exacerbated inflammation consistent with monocyte contributions to initiation of pathology. After removal of TAA, either acute or chronic CSF1-Fc treatment promoted liver growth, prevented progression and promoted resolution of fibrosis. Acute CSF1-Fc treatment was also anti-fibrotic and pro-regenerative in a model of partial hepatectomy in mice with established fibrosis. The beneficial impacts of CSF1-Fc treatment were associated with monocyte-macrophage recruitment and increased expression of remodeling enzymes and growth factors. These studies indicate that CSF1-dependent macrophages contribute to both initiation and resolution of fibrotic injury and that CSF1-Fc has therapeutic potential in human liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Keshvari
- Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Berit Genz
- Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ngari Teakle
- Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Melanie Caruso
- Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michelle F Cestari
- Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Omkar L Patkar
- Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Brian W C Tse
- Preclinical Imaging Facility, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kamil A Sokolowski
- Preclinical Imaging Facility, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Hilmar Ebersbach
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research (NIBR), Fabrikstrasse 2, Novartis Campus, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Julia Jascur
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research (NIBR), Fabrikstrasse 2, Novartis Campus, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Grant A Ramm
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Allison R Pettit
- Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrew D Clouston
- Envoi Specialist Pathologists, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - David A Hume
- Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Katharine M Irvine
- Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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26
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Johnson AL, Ratnasekera IU, Irvine KM, Henderson A, Powell EE, Valery PC. Bacteraemia, sepsis and antibiotic resistance in Australian patients with cirrhosis: a population-based study. BMJ Open Gastroenterol 2021; 8:bmjgast-2021-000695. [PMID: 34876410 PMCID: PMC8655566 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgast-2021-000695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Multiple factors predispose patients with cirrhosis to sepsis and/or bacteraemia and this has a high mortality rate. Within different geographical regions there are marked differences in the prevalence of infection with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDR). This study examined risk factors for and outcomes of sepsis/bacteraemia in public hospital admissions with cirrhosis in the state of Queensland, Australia, over the last decade, along with the bacterial pathogens responsible and their antibiotic susceptibility profiles. Design A population-based retrospective cohort study of public hospital admissions was conducted from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2017. Hospital admissions for patients with a diagnosis of cirrhosis were categorised by the presence or absence of sepsis/bacteraemia. Clinical and sociodemographic information including cirrhosis aetiology, complications and comorbidities, and in-hospital mortality were examined using bivariate and multivariate analyses. In patients with bacteraemia, the type and prevalence of bacteria and antibiotic resistance was assessed. Results Sepsis/bacteraemia was present in 3951 of 103 165 hospital admissions with a diagnosis of cirrhosis. Factors associated with sepsis/bacteraemia included disease aetiology, particularly primary sclerosing cholangitis (adj-OR 15.09, 95% CI 12.24 to 18.60), alcohol (adj-OR 2.90, 95% CI 2.71 to 3.09), Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥3 (adj-OR 3.54, 95% CI 3.19 to 3.93) and diabetes (adj-OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.74 to 2.01). Overall case-fatality rate among admissions with sepsis/bacteraemia was 27.7% (95% CI 26.3% to 29.1%) vs 3.7% (95% CI 3.6% to 3.8%) without sepsis/bacteraemia. In-hospital death was significantly associated with sepsis/bacteraemia (adj-OR 6.50, 95% CI 5.95 to 7.11). The most common organisms identified were Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, present in 22.9% and 18.1%, respectively, of the 2265 admissions with a positive blood culture. The prevalence of MDR bacteria was low (5.6%) Conclusion Morbidity and mortality related to sepsis/bacteraemia in patients with cirrhosis remains a critical clinical problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Johnson
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | | | | | - Andrew Henderson
- Infection Management Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
- University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Patricia C Valery
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
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27
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Johnson AL, Hayward KL, Patel P, Horsfall LU, Cheah AEZ, Irvine KM, Russell AW, Stuart KA, Williams S, Hartel G, Valery PC, Powell EE. Predicting Liver-Related Outcomes in People With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: The Prognostic Value of Noninvasive Fibrosis Tests. Hepatol Commun 2021; 6:728-739. [PMID: 34783191 PMCID: PMC8948588 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
It remains unclear whether screening for advanced fibrosis in the community can identify the subgroup of people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) at higher risk for development of liver‐related complications. We aimed to determine the prognostic value of baseline noninvasive fibrosis tests for predicting liver‐related outcomes and mortality in patients with NAFLD from type 2 diabetes (T2D) clinics or primary care. Patients (n = 243) who were screened for NAFLD with advanced fibrosis by using NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS), fibrosis 4 score (FIB‐4), enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) test, and liver stiffness measurements (LSMs) were followed up for clinical outcomes by review of electronic medical records. During a median follow‐up of 50 months, decompensated liver disease or primary liver cancer occurred in 6 of 35 (17.1%) patients with baseline LSM > 13 kPa, 1 of 17 (5.9%) patients with LSM 9.5‐13 kPa, and in no patients with LSM < 9.5 kPa. No patient with low‐risk NFS developed liver decompensation or liver‐related mortality. Following repeat NFSs at the end of follow‐up, all patients with a liver‐related complication were in the high‐risk NFS category. Patients who developed liver‐related complications were also more likely to have baseline high‐risk FIB‐4 scores or ELF test ≥9.8 compared to patients who did not develop liver outcomes. Conclusion: Liver fibrosis risk stratification in non‐hepatology settings can identify the subset of patients at risk of liver‐related complications. Although the rate of development of a decompensation event or hepatocellular carcinoma was low (2.1% per year) in our patients with compensated cirrhosis (LSM > 13 kPa), these events are projected to lead to a substantial increase in NAFLD‐related disease burden over the next decade due to the high prevalence of NAFLD in people with obesity and T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Johnson
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Kelly L Hayward
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Preya Patel
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London Division of Medicine, London, United Kingdom.,The Liver Unit, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Leigh U Horsfall
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Alvin Ee Zhiun Cheah
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Katharine M Irvine
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.,Mater Research, University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Anthony W Russell
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Katherine A Stuart
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Gunter Hartel
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Patricia C Valery
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.,QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
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28
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Hayward KL, Johnson AL, Mckillen BJ, Burke NT, Bansal V, Horsfall LU, Hartel G, Moser C, Powell EE, Valery PC. ICD-10-AM codes for cirrhosis and related complications: key performance considerations for population and healthcare studies. BMJ Open Gastroenterol 2021; 7:bmjgast-2020-000485. [PMID: 32943463 PMCID: PMC7500192 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgast-2020-000485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The utility of International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes relies on the accuracy of clinical reporting and administrative coding, which may be influenced by country-specific codes and coding rules. This study explores the accuracy and limitations of the Australian Modification of the 10th revision of ICD (ICD-10-AM) to detect the presence of cirrhosis and a subset of key complications for the purpose of future large-scale epidemiological research and healthcare studies. Design/method ICD-10-AM codes in a random sample of 540 admitted patient encounters at a major Australian tertiary hospital were compared with data abstracted from patients’ medical records by four blinded clinicians. Accuracy of individual codes and grouped combinations was determined by calculating sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value and Cohen’s kappa coefficient (κ). Results The PPVs for ‘grouped cirrhosis’ codes (0.96), hepatocellular carcinoma (0.97) ascites (0.97) and ‘grouped varices’ (0.95) were good (κ all >0.60). However, codes under-detected the prevalence of cirrhosis, ascites and varices (sensitivity 81.4%, 61.9% and 61.3%, respectively). Overall accuracy was lower for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (‘grouped’ PPV 0.75; κ 0.73) and the poorest for encephalopathy (‘grouped’ PPV 0.55; κ 0.21). To optimise detection of cirrhosis-related encounters, an ICD-10-AM code algorithm was constructed and validated in an independent cohort of 116 patients with known cirrhosis. Conclusion Multiple ICD-10-AM codes should be considered when using administrative databases to study the burden of cirrhosis and its complications in Australia, to avoid underestimation of the prevalence, morbidity, mortality and related resource utilisation from this burgeoning chronic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly L Hayward
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Amy L Johnson
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Benjamin J Mckillen
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Niall T Burke
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Vikas Bansal
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Leigh U Horsfall
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Gunter Hartel
- Statistics, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Chris Moser
- Statistical Services Branch, Queensland Government Department of Health and Ageing, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Patricia C Valery
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia .,Cancer and Chronic Disease Research Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herson, Queensland, Australia
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29
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Hayward KL, McKillen BJ, Horsfall LU, McIvor C, Liew K, Sexton J, Johnson AL, Irvine KM, Valery PC, McPhail SM, Britton LJ, Rosenberg W, Weate I, Williams S, Powell EE. Towards collaborative management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (TCM-NAFLD): a 'real-world' pathway for fibrosis risk assessment in primary care. Intern Med J 2021; 52:1749-1758. [PMID: 34139066 DOI: 10.1111/imj.15422] [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: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The optimal strategy to support primary care practitioners (PCPs) to assess fibrosis severity in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and thereby make appropriate management decisions remains unclear. AIMS We aimed to examine the feasibility of using a 2-step pathway that combined simple scores (NAFLD Fibrosis Score and Fibrosis-4 Index) with transient elastography (FibroScan®) to streamline NAFLD referrals from a 'routine' primary care population to specialist hepatology management clinics (HMC). METHODS The 2-step "Towards Collaborative Management of NAFLD" (TCM-NAFLD) fibrosis risk assessment pathway was implemented at two outer metropolitan primary healthcare practices in Brisbane. Patients aged ≥18 years with a new or established PCP-diagnosis of NAFLD were eligible for assessment. The pathway triaged patients at "high risk" of clinically significant fibrosis to HMC for specialist review, and "low risk" patients to receive ongoing management and longitudinal follow-up in primary care. RESULTS A total of 162 patient assessments between Jun-2019 and Dec-2020 were included. Mean age was 58.7 ± 11.7 years, 30.9% were male, 54.3% had type 2 diabetes or impaired fasting glucose, and mean body mass index was 34.2 ± 6.9 kg/m2 . 122 patients were considered "low risk" for clinically significant fibrosis, two patients had incomplete assessments, and 38 (23.5%) were triaged to HMC. Among 31 completed HMC assessments to date, 45.2% were considered to have clinically significant (or more advanced) fibrosis, representing 9.2% of 153 completed assessments. CONCLUSION Implementation of the 2-step TCM-NAFLD pathway streamlined hepatology referrals for NAFLD and may facilitate a more cost-effective and targeted use of specialist hepatology resources. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly L Hayward
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute; Woolloongabba QLD, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital; Woolloongabba QLD, Australia
| | - Benjamin J McKillen
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute; Woolloongabba QLD, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital; Woolloongabba QLD, Australia
| | - Leigh U Horsfall
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute; Woolloongabba QLD, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital; Woolloongabba QLD, Australia
| | - Carolyn McIvor
- Department of Gastroenterology, Logan Hospital; Logan City QLD, Australia
| | - Katerina Liew
- Department of Gastroenterology, Logan Hospital; Logan City QLD, Australia
| | - Jo Sexton
- Department of Gastroenterology, Logan Hospital; Logan City QLD, Australia
| | - Amy L Johnson
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute; Woolloongabba QLD, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital; Woolloongabba QLD, Australia
| | - Katharine M Irvine
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute; Woolloongabba QLD, Australia.,Mater Research, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute; Woolloongabba QLD, Australia
| | - Patricia C Valery
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute; Woolloongabba QLD, Australia.,QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute; Herston QLD, Australia
| | - Steven M McPhail
- Clinical Informatics Directorate, Metro South Health; Woolloongabba QLD, Australia.,Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology; Kelvin Grove QLD, Australia
| | - Laurence J Britton
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital; Woolloongabba QLD, Australia.,Greenslopes Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Greenslopes QLD, Australia
| | - William Rosenberg
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, University College London; London, UK.,The Royal Free London, NHS Foundation Trust; London, UK
| | - Ingrid Weate
- Jimboomba Medical Centre; Jimboomba QLD, Australia
| | | | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute; Woolloongabba QLD, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital; Woolloongabba QLD, Australia
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30
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Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has a global prevalence of 25% and is a leading cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD encompasses a disease continuum from steatosis with or without mild inflammation (non-alcoholic fatty liver), to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is characterised by necroinflammation and faster fibrosis progression than non-alcoholic fatty liver. NAFLD has a bidirectional association with components of the metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes increases the risk of cirrhosis and related complications. Although the leading causes of death in people with NAFLD are cardiovascular disease and extrahepatic malignancy, advanced liver fibrosis is a key prognostic marker for liver-related outcomes and overall mortality, and can be assessed with combinations of non-invasive tests. Patients with cirrhosis should be screened for hepatocellular carcinoma and oesophageal varices. There is currently no approved therapy for NAFLD, although several drugs are in advanced stages of development. Because of the complex pathophysiology and substantial heterogeneity of disease phenotypes, combination treatment is likely to be required for many patients with NAFLD. Healthy lifestyle and weight reduction remain crucial to the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth E Powell
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Vincent Wai-Sun Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Mary Rinella
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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31
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Taye BW, Clark PJ, Hartel G, Powell EE, Valery PC. Remoteness of residence predicts tumor stage, receipt of treatment, and mortality in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. JGH Open 2021; 5:754-762. [PMID: 34263069 PMCID: PMC8264246 DOI: 10.1002/jgh3.12580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Background and Aim Surveillance and early detection and curative treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are the mainstay of improving survival for patients, but there are several barriers to achieving this goal. We reported the impact of remoteness of residence on receipt of treatment, tumor stage, and survival in patients with HCC in Queensland. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 1651 HCC patients (147 migrants) from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2016. We used Wilcoxon rank‐sum test to compare the median age at the time of diagnosis and Bayesian Weibull accelerated failure time regression to identify independent predictors of time to death. Results The median survival time after HCC diagnosis was 9.0 months (interquartile range 2.0–24.0). Metropolitan residence (P = 0.02), non‐English language (P < 0.001), foreign country of origin (P < 0.001), and HBV etiology (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with receiving surgical resection for HCC treatment. The strongest predictors of time to death were undifferentiated tumor at presentation (time ratio [TR] = 0.30, 95% credible interval (CrI) 0.23–0.39), age ≥70 years (TR = 0.42, 95% CrI 0.34–0.53), living in remote areas (TR = 0.67, 95% CrI 0.55–0.80), and presence of ≥1 comorbidity (TR = 0.69 95% CrI 0.54–0.90). All the other covariates adjusted, including country of birth (TR = 0.76, 95% CrI 0.49–1.06), did not predict survival time. Conclusions Patients living in rural and remote areas had late stage clinical presentation and poor survival. Remoteness of residence may limit access to HCC surveillance in at‐risk patients such as those with cirrhosis, and timely curative treatment to improve survival in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belaynew W Taye
- Faculty of Medicine University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia.,Cancer and Chronic Disease Epidemiology Group QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute Brisbane Queensland Australia.,Mater Research Institute University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Paul J Clark
- Faculty of Medicine University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia.,Mater Research Institute University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Mater Hospitals Brisbane Brisbane Queensland Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Princess Alexandra Hospital Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Gunter Hartel
- Cancer and Chronic Disease Epidemiology Group QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Princess Alexandra Hospital Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Patricia C Valery
- Faculty of Medicine University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia.,Cancer and Chronic Disease Epidemiology Group QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute Brisbane Queensland Australia
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32
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Wigg AJ, Narayana SK, Hartel G, Medlin L, Pratt G, Powell EE, Clark P, Davies J, Campbell K, Toombs M, Larkin M, Valery PC. Hepatocellular carcinoma amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia. EClinicalMedicine 2021; 36:100919. [PMID: 34142069 PMCID: PMC8187829 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.100919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are important contributors to the mortality gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. However, there is a lack of population based high quality data assessing the differences in HCC epidemiology and outcomes according to Indigenous status. The aim of this study was therefore to perform a large epidemiological study of HCC investigating differences between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians with HCC. METHODS Study design was a retrospective cohort study. Data linkage methodology was used to link data from cancer registries with hospital separation summaries across three Australian jurisdictions during 2000-2017. Cumulative survival (Kaplan-Meier) and the differences in survival (Multivariable Cox-regression) by Indigenous status were assessed. FINDINGS A total of 229 Indigenous and 3587 non-Indigenous HCC cases were included in the analyses. Significant epidemiological differences identified for Indigenous HCC cases included younger age at onset, higher proportion of females, higher rurality, lower socioeconomic status, and higher comorbidity burden (all p < 0.001). The distribution of cofactors was also significantly different for Indigenous Australians including higher prevalence of alcohol misuse, hepatitis B, and diabetes and more frequent presence of multiple HCC cofactors (all p < 0.001). Indigenous Australians received curative HCC therapies less frequently (6.6% vs. 14.5%, p < 0.001) and had poorer 5-year survival (10.0% vs. 17.3%, p < 0.001; unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) =1.42 96%CI 1.21-1.65) compared to non-Indigenous Australians. The strength of the association between indigenous status and survival was weaker and statistically non-significant after adjusting for rurality, comorbidity burden and lack of curative therapy (adjusted-HR=1.20 95%CI 0.97-1.47). INTERPRETATION Such data provide a call to action to help design and implement health literacy, liver management and HCC surveillance programs for Indigenous people to help close the liver cancer mortality gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan J Wigg
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Medicine Unit, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Corresponding author.
| | - Sumudu K Narayana
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Medicine Unit, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Gunter Hartel
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Linda Medlin
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing, Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, Australia
| | - Greg Pratt
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E. Powell
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Paul Clark
- Mater Hospitals, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jane Davies
- Menzies School of Health Research, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, The Northern Territory, Australia
- Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, The Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Kirsty Campbell
- Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, The Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Maree Toombs
- University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michael Larkin
- The Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Patricia C Valery
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
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Gracen L, Powell EE. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: raising awareness of a looming public health problem. Med J Aust 2021; 215:75-76. [PMID: 34046909 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Gracen
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Translational Research Institute Australia, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD.,Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Translational Research Institute Australia, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD.,Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD
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Valery PC, Bernardes CM, Mckillen B, Amarasena S, Stuart KA, Hartel G, Clark PJ, Skoien R, Rahman T, Horsfall L, Hayward K, Gupta R, Lee A, Pillay L, Powell EE. The Patient's Perspective in Cirrhosis: Unmet Supportive Care Needs Differ by Disease Severity, Etiology, and Age. Hepatol Commun 2021; 5:891-905. [PMID: 34027276 PMCID: PMC8122374 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with cirrhosis have significant physical, psychological, and practical needs. We documented patients' perceived need for support with these issues and the differences with increasing liver disease severity, etiology, and age. Using the supportive needs assessment tool for cirrhosis (SNAC), we examined the rate of moderate-to-high unmet needs (Poisson regression; incidence rate ratio [IRR]) and the correlation between needs and sociodemographic/clinical characteristics (multivariable linear regression) in 458 Australians adults with cirrhosis. Primary liver disease etiology was alcohol in 37.6% of patients, chronic viral hepatitis C in 25.5%, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in 23.8%. A total of 64.6% of patients had Child-Pugh class A cirrhosis. Most patients (81.2%) had at least one moderate-to-high unmet need item; more than 25% reported a moderate-to-high need for help with "lack of energy," "sleep poorly," "feel unwell," "worry about … illness getting worse (liver cancer)," "have anxiety/stress," and "difficulty with daily tasks." Adjusting for key sociodemographic/clinical factors, patients with Child-Pugh C had a greater rate of "practical and physical needs" (vs. Child-Pugh A; IRR = 2.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.57-3.37), patients with NAFLD/NASH had a greater rate of needs with "lifestyle changes" (vs. alcohol; IRR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.18-2.77) and "practical and physical needs" (IRR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.23-1.65), and patients aged ≥65 years had fewer needs overall (vs. 18-64 years; IRR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.64-0.76). Higher overall SNAC scores were associated with Child-Pugh B and C (both P < 0.001), NAFLD/NASH (P = 0.028), patients with "no partner, do not live alone" (P = 0.004), unemployment (P = 0.039), ascites (P = 0.022), and dyslipidemia (P = 0.024) compared with their counterparts. Conclusion: Very high levels of needs were reported by patients with cirrhosis. This information is important to tailor patient-centered care and facilitate timely interventions or referral to support services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Benjamin Mckillen
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyPrincess Alexandra HospitalBrisbaneQLDAustralia.,Centre for Liver Disease ResearchTranslational Research InstituteFaculty of MedicineUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Samath Amarasena
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyRoyal Brisbane and Women's HospitalBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Katherine A Stuart
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyPrincess Alexandra HospitalBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Gunter Hartel
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteHerstonQLDAustralia
| | - Paul J Clark
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyPrincess Alexandra HospitalBrisbaneQLDAustralia.,Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyMater HospitalsBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Richard Skoien
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyRoyal Brisbane and Women's HospitalBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Tony Rahman
- Gastroenterology & Hepatology DepartmentPrince Charles HospitalChermsideQLDAustralia
| | - Leigh Horsfall
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyPrincess Alexandra HospitalBrisbaneQLDAustralia.,Centre for Liver Disease ResearchTranslational Research InstituteFaculty of MedicineUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Kelly Hayward
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyPrincess Alexandra HospitalBrisbaneQLDAustralia.,Centre for Liver Disease ResearchTranslational Research InstituteFaculty of MedicineUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Rohit Gupta
- Gastroenterology & Hepatology DepartmentPrince Charles HospitalChermsideQLDAustralia
| | - Andrew Lee
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyMater HospitalsBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Leshni Pillay
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyLogan HospitalMeadowbrookQLDAustralia
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyPrincess Alexandra HospitalBrisbaneQLDAustralia.,Centre for Liver Disease ResearchTranslational Research InstituteFaculty of MedicineUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
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35
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Shanker MD, Liu HY, Lee YY, Stuart KA, Powell EE, Wigg A, Pryor DI. Stereotactic radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: Expanding the multidisciplinary armamentarium. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 36:873-884. [PMID: 32632941 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.15175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common malignancy worldwide and the third most common cause of cancer-related death. Long-term prognosis remains poor with treatment options frequently limited by advanced tumor stage, tumor location, or underlying liver dysfunction. Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) utilizes technological advances to deliver highly precise, tumoricidal doses of radiation. There is an emerging body of literature on SABR in HCC demonstrating high rates of local control in the order of 80-90% at 3 years. SABR is associated with a low risk of radiation-induced liver disease or decompensation in appropriately selected HCC patients with compensated liver function and is now being incorporated into guidelines as an additional treatment option. This review outlines the emerging role of SABR in the multidisciplinary management of HCC and summarizes the current evidence for its use as an alternative ablative option for early-stage disease, as a bridge to transplant, and as palliation for advanced-stage disease. We outline specific considerations regarding patient selection, toxicities, and response assessment. Finally, we compare current international guidelines and recommendations for the use of SABR and summarize ongoing studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihir D Shanker
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Howard Y Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Yoo Young Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Katherine A Stuart
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alan Wigg
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Medicine Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - David I Pryor
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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36
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Hayward KL, Johnson AL, Horsfall LU, Moser C, Valery PC, Powell EE. Detecting non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and risk factors in health databases: accuracy and limitations of the ICD-10-AM. BMJ Open Gastroenterol 2021; 8:bmjgast-2020-000572. [PMID: 33568418 PMCID: PMC7878135 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgast-2020-000572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) cirrhosis is often underestimated in healthcare and administrative databases that define disease burden using International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes. This retrospective audit was conducted to explore the accuracy and limitations of the ICD, Tenth Revision, Australian Modification (ICD-10-AM) to detect NAFLD, metabolic risk factors (obesity and diabetes) and other aetiologies of chronic liver disease. DESIGN/METHOD ICD-10-AM codes in 308 admitted patient encounters at two major Australian tertiary hospitals were compared with data abstracted from patients' electronic medical records. Accuracy of individual codes and grouped combinations was determined by calculating sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and Cohen's kappa coefficient (κ). RESULTS The presence of an ICD-10-AM code accurately predicted the presence of NAFLD/NASH (PPV 91.2%) and obesity (PPV 91.6%) in most instances. However, codes underestimated the prevalence of NAFLD/NASH and obesity by 42.9% and 45.3%, respectively. Overall concordance between clinical documentation and 'grouped alcohol' codes (κ 0.75) and hepatitis C codes (κ 0.88) was high. Hepatitis B codes detected false-positive cases in patients with previous exposure (PPV 55.6%). Accuracy of codes to detect diabetes was excellent (sensitivity 95.8%; specificity 97.6%; PPV 94.9%; NPV 98.1%) with almost perfect concordance between codes and documentation in medical records (κ 0.93). CONCLUSION Recognition of the utility and limitations of ICD-10-AM codes to study the burden of NAFLD/NASH cirrhosis is imperative to inform public health strategies and appropriate investment of resources to manage this burgeoning chronic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Lee Hayward
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.,Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Amy L Johnson
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.,Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Leigh U Horsfall
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.,Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Chris Moser
- Statistical Services Branch, Queensland Government Department of Health and Ageing, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Patricia C Valery
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.,QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Population Health, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia .,Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
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Irvine KM, Okano S, Patel PJ, Horsfall LU, Williams S, Russell A, Powell EE. Serum matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7) is a biomarker of fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2858. [PMID: 33536476 PMCID: PMC7858627 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82315-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects 25% of the adult population globally. Since liver fibrosis is the most important predictor of liver-related complications in patients with NAFLD, identification of patients with advanced fibrosis among at-risk individuals is an important issue in clinical practice. Transient elastography is the best evaluated non-invasive method used in referral centres to assess liver fibrosis, however serum-based tests, such as the Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) score, have a practical advantage as first-line tests due to their wider availability and lower cost. We previously identified matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7) as a serum biomarker of histological advanced fibrosis in a mixed-etiology patient cohort. In this study we aimed to determine the association between MMP7 and fibrosis, assessed by transient elastography, in patients with NAFLD. Serum MMP7 levels were measured in a cohort of 228 patients with NAFLD. Associations between MMP7, liver stiffness measurement (LSM), ELF score and clinical parameters were determined using logistic regression modelling. Serum MMP7 was associated with clinically significant fibrosis (LSM ≥ 8.2), independent of age, gender, BMI and diabetes. The addition of MMP7 significantly improved the diagnostic performance of the ELF test, particularly in patients over the age of 60. Combinations of serum biomarkers have the potential to improve the sensitivity and specificity of detection of advanced fibrosis in at-risk patients with NAFLD. We have demonstrated that serum MMP7 is independently associated with clinically significant fibrosis and improves the diagnostic performance of currently available tests in older patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine M Irvine
- Mater Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. .,Centre for Liver Disease Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Satomi Okano
- Statistics Unit, QIMR-Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Preya J Patel
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Leigh U Horsfall
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Anthony Russell
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.,Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. .,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.
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38
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Bernardes CM, Clark PJ, Brown C, Stuart K, Pratt G, Toombs M, Hartel G, Powell EE, Valery PC. Disparities in Unmet Needs in Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians with Cirrhosis: An Exploratory Study. Patient Prefer Adherence 2021; 15:2649-2658. [PMID: 34853510 PMCID: PMC8628121 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s341566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Understanding and responding to the supportive care needs of people with cirrhosis is essential to quality care. Indigenous Australians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, are overrepresented amongst patients with cirrhosis. This study documented the nature and extent of supportive care needs of Indigenous Australians with cirrhosis, in comparison with non-Indigenous Australians. PATIENTS AND METHODS The supportive care needs of adult patients diagnosed with cirrhosis attending public hospitals in Queensland were assessed through the Supportive Needs Assessment tool for Cirrhosis (SNAC). Patients indicated how much additional help they needed on four subscales: 1. psychosocial issues; 2. practical and physical needs; 3. information needs; and 4. lifestyle changes. We examined the rate of moderate-to-high unmet needs based on Indigenous status (Poisson regression; incidence rate ratio (IRR)). RESULTS Indigenous (n=20) and non-Indigenous (n=438) patients included in the study had similar sociodemographic and clinical characteristics except for a lower educational level among Indigenous patients (p<0.01). Most Indigenous patients (85.0%) reported having moderate-to-high unmet needs with at least one item in the SNAC tool. Following adjustment for key sociodemographic and clinical factors, Indigenous patients had a greater rate of moderate-to-high unmet needs overall (IRR=1.5, 95% CI 1.31-1.72; p<0.001), and specifically for psychosocial issues (IRR=1.7, 95% CI 1.39-2.15; p<0.001), and practical and physical needs subscales (IRR=1.5, 95% CI 1.22-1.83; p<0.001), compared to non-Indigenous patients. CONCLUSION Indigenous Australians with cirrhosis more frequently had moderate-to-high unmet supportive care needs than non-Indigenous patients. Specific targeting of culturally appropriate supportive care for psychosocial, practical and physical needs may optimize cirrhosis care and improve the quality of life for Indigenous Australians with cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul J Clark
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mater Hospitals, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Cath Brown
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Katherine Stuart
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Gregory Pratt
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Maree Toombs
- Rural Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia
| | - Gunter Hartel
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Patricia C Valery
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
- Correspondence: Patricia C Valery Tel +61 07 3362 0376 Email
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39
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McPhail SM, Amarasena S, Stuart KA, Hayward K, Gupta R, Brain D, Hartel G, Rahman T, Clark PJ, Bernardes CM, Skoien R, Mckillen B, Lee A, Pillay L, Lin L, Khaing MM, Horsfall L, Powell EE, Valery PC. Assessment of health-related quality of life and health utilities in Australian patients with cirrhosis. JGH Open 2020; 5:133-142. [PMID: 33490623 PMCID: PMC7812472 DOI: 10.1002/jgh3.12462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background and Aim Health‐related quality‐of‐life measurements are important to understand lived experiences of patients who have cirrhosis. These measures also inform economic evaluations by modelling quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs). We aimed to describe health‐related quality of life, specifically multiattribute utility (scale anchors of death = 0.00 and full health = 1.00), across various stages and etiologies of cirrhosis. Methods Face‐to‐face interviews were used to collect Short Form 36 (SF‐36) questionnaire responses from CirCare study participants with cirrhosis (June 2017 to December 2018). The severity of cirrhosis was assessed using the Child‐Pugh score classified as class A (5–6 points), B (7–9), or C (10–15) and by the absence (“compensated”) versus presence (“decompensated”) of cirrhosis‐related complications. Results Patients (n = 562, average 59.8 years [SD = 11.0], male 69.9%) had a range of primary etiologies (alcohol‐related 35.2%, chronic hepatitis C 25.4%, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) 25.1%, chronic hepatitis B 5.9%, “other” 8.4%). Significantly lower (all P < 0.001) mean multiattribute utility was observed in the health states of patients with decompensated (mean = 0.62, SD = 0.15) versus compensated cirrhosis (mean = 0.68, SD = 0.12), Child‐Pugh class C (mean = 0.59, SD = 0.15) or B (mean = 0.63, SD = 0.15) versus A (mean = 0.68, SD = 0.16), and between those of working age (18–64 years; mean = 0.64, SD = 0.16) versus those aged 65+ years (mean = 0.70, SD = 0.16). The greatest decrements in health‐related quality of life relative to Australian population norms were observed across physical SF‐36 domains. Conclusions Persons with more advanced cirrhosis report greater life impacts. Estimates from this study are suitable for informing economic evaluations, particularly cost‐utility modelling, which captures the benefits of effective prevention, surveillance, and treatments on both the quality and quantity of patients' lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M McPhail
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work Queensland University of Technology Brisbane Queensland Australia.,Clinical Informatics Directorate Metro South Health Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Samath Amarasena
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Katherine A Stuart
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Princess Alexandra Hospital Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Kelly Hayward
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Rohit Gupta
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department The Prince Charles Hospital Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - David Brain
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work Queensland University of Technology Brisbane Queensland Australia.,Clinical Informatics Directorate Metro South Health Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Gunter Hartel
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Tony Rahman
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department The Prince Charles Hospital Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Paul J Clark
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Mater Hospitals Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Christina M Bernardes
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department The Prince Charles Hospital Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Richard Skoien
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Benjamin Mckillen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Andrew Lee
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Mater Hospitals Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Leshni Pillay
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Logan Hospital Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Lei Lin
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department The Prince Charles Hospital Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Myat Myat Khaing
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department The Prince Charles Hospital Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Leigh Horsfall
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Princess Alexandra Hospital Brisbane Queensland Australia.,Centre for Liver Disease Research, Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Princess Alexandra Hospital Brisbane Queensland Australia.,Centre for Liver Disease Research, Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Patricia C Valery
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute Brisbane Queensland Australia
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40
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Hayward KL, Valery PC, Patel PJ, Horsfall LU, Wright PL, Tallis CJ, Stuart KA, David M, Irvine KM, Cottrell WN, Martin JH, Powell EE. Effectiveness of patient-oriented education and medication management intervention in people with decompensated cirrhosis. Intern Med J 2020; 50:1142-1146. [PMID: 32929822 PMCID: PMC7540524 DOI: 10.1111/imj.14986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
People with chronic disease often have poor comprehension of their disease and medications, which can negatively affect health outcomes. In a randomised-controlled trial, we found that patients with decompensated cirrhosis who received a pharmacist-led, patient-oriented education and medication management intervention (n = 57) had greater knowledge of cirrhosis and key self-care tasks compared with usual care (n = 59). Intervention patients also experienced improved quality of life. Dedicated resources are needed to support implementation of evidence-based measures at local centres to improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly L Hayward
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Pharmacy Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Patricia C Valery
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Cancer and Chronic Disease Research Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Preya J Patel
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Leigh U Horsfall
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Penny L Wright
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Caroline J Tallis
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Katherine A Stuart
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michael David
- Centre for Human Drug Research, School of Medicine and Public Health, Hunter Medical Research Institute, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katharine M Irvine
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - W Neil Cottrell
- Macrophage Biology Research Group, Mater Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jennifer H Martin
- Centre for Human Drug Research, School of Medicine and Public Health, Hunter Medical Research Institute, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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41
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McKillen BJ, Powell EE, Horsfall LU, Clouston AD, Brown NN, Elangovan H, Patel PJ, Valery PC, Irvine KM, Bernard A, Hayward KL. Longitudinal Change in Simple Scores Identifies Fibrosis Status in People With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. J Clin Gastroenterol 2020; 54:661-662. [PMID: 32692117 DOI: 10.1097/mcg.0000000000001372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J McKillen
- Centre for Liver Disease Research
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Centre for Liver Disease Research
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital
| | - Leigh U Horsfall
- Centre for Liver Disease Research
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital
| | | | | | - Harendran Elangovan
- Centre for Liver Disease Research
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital
| | | | - Patricia C Valery
- Centre for Liver Disease Research
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Katharine M Irvine
- Centre for Liver Disease Research
- Mater Research, Translational Research Institute
| | - Anne Bernard
- QFAB Bioinformatics Institute for Molecular Bioscience The University of Queensland
| | - Kelly L Hayward
- Centre for Liver Disease Research
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital
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Ruddell RG, Lee A, Powell EE, Wilgen U, Ungerer JPJ. Unusual Iron and Copper Studies in a Patient with Liver Injury and Normocytic Anemia. Clin Chem 2020; 66:277-281. [PMID: 32040578 DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvz001] [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: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard G Ruddell
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Pathology Queensland, Queensland Health, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Andrew Lee
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.,University of Queensland, School of Medicine, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Liver Disease Research, Translational Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Urs Wilgen
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Pathology Queensland, Queensland Health, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,University of Queensland, School of Medicine, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jacobus P J Ungerer
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Pathology Queensland, Queensland Health, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,University of Queensland, School of Medicine, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Ahn SB, Powell EE, Russell A, Hartel G, Irvine KM, Moser C, Valery PC. Type 2 Diabetes: A Risk Factor for Hospital Readmissions and Mortality in Australian Patients With Cirrhosis. Hepatol Commun 2020; 4:1279-1292. [PMID: 32923832 PMCID: PMC7471423 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Although there is evidence that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) impacts adversely on liver‐related mortality, its influence on hospital readmissions and development of complications in patients with cirrhosis, particularly in alcohol‐related cirrhosis (the most common etiological factor among Australian hospital admissions for cirrhosis) has not been well studied. This study aimed to investigate the association between T2D and liver cirrhosis in a population‐based cohort of patients admitted for cirrhosis in the state of Queensland, Australia. A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using data from the Queensland Hospital Admitted Patient Data Collection, which contains information on all hospital episodes of care for patients with liver cirrhosis, and the Death Registry during 2008‐2017. We used demographic, clinical data, and socioeconomic characteristics. A total of 8,631 patients were analyzed. A higher proportion of patients with T2D had cryptogenic cirrhosis (42.4% vs. 27.3%, respectively; P < 0.001) or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (13.8% vs. 3.4%, respectively; P < 0.001) and an admission for hepatocellular carcinoma (18.0% vs. 12.2%, respectively; P < 0.001) compared to patients without T2D. Patients with liver cirrhosis with T2D compared to those without T2D had a significantly increased median length of hospital stay (6 [range, 1‐11] vs. 5 [range, 1‐11] days, respectively; P < 0.001), double the rate of noncirrhosis‐related admissions (incidence rate ratios [IRR], 2.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.98‐2.07), a 1.35‐fold increased rate of cirrhosis‐related admissions (IRR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.30‐1.41), and significantly lower survival (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Among hospitalized patients with cirrhosis, the cohort with T2D is at higher risk and may benefit from attention to comorbidities and additional support to reduce readmissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Bong Ahn
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute Herston Australia.,Department of Internal Medicine Eulji University School of Medicine Seoul Korea
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Centre for Liver Disease Research Translational Research Institute Faculty of Medicine University of Queensland Brisbane Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Princess Alexandra Hospital Brisbane Australia
| | - Anthony Russell
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology University of Queensland Brisbane Australia
| | - Gunter Hartel
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute Herston Australia
| | - Katharine M Irvine
- Centre for Liver Disease Research Translational Research Institute Faculty of Medicine University of Queensland Brisbane Australia.,Mater Research University of Queensland Brisbane Australia
| | - Chris Moser
- Statistical Services Branch Queensland Health Brisbane Australia
| | - Patricia C Valery
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute Herston Australia.,Centre for Liver Disease Research Translational Research Institute Faculty of Medicine University of Queensland Brisbane Australia
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44
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Brain D, O'Beirne J, Hickman IJ, Powell EE, Valery PC, Kularatna S, Tulleners R, Farrington A, Horsfall L, Barnett A. Protocol for a randomised trial testing a community fibrosis assessment service for patients with suspected non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: LOCal assessment and triage evaluation of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (LOCATE-NAFLD). BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:335. [PMID: 32316984 PMCID: PMC7171744 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05233-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common type of chronic liver disease in Australia and its recent increase mirrors the obesity and type 2 diabetes epidemics. Currently, many patients who present to primary care with abnormal liver function tests or steatosis on liver ultrasound are referred for assessment in secondary care. Due to the large number of patients with NAFLD, this results in long waits for clinical and fibrosis assessment, placing unnecessary burden on the public hospital system. Methods We will conduct a 1:1 parallel randomised trial to compare two alternative models of care for NAFLD. Participants will be randomised to usual care or the LOCal Assessment and Triage Evaluation (LOCATE) model of care and followed for 1 year. We will recruit patients from the non-neighbouring Sunshine Coast and Metro South Hospital and Health Services (HHSs) in Queensland, Australia. Our primary outcome of interest is time to diagnosis of high-risk NAFLD, based on the number of participants in each arm of the study who receive a diagnosis of clinically significant fibrosis. Two hundred and 34 participants will give us a 95% power to detect a 50% reduction in the primary outcome of time to diagnosis of high-risk disease. We will also conduct an economic evaluation, evaluating the cost-effectiveness of the new model of care. We will also evaluate the implementation of the new model of care. Discussion It is anticipated that the results of this study will provide valuable new information regarding the management of NAFLD in the Australian setting. A relatively simple change to care could result in earlier identification of patients with significant liver disease and lower overall costs for the health system. Results will be directly disseminated to key staff for further distribution to consumers, policy- and decision-makers in the form of evidence briefs, plain language summaries and policy recommendations. Trial registration The trial was registered on 30 January, 2020 and can be found via ANZCTR - number ACTRN12620000158965.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Brain
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation (AusHSI), Queensland University of Technology, GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia.
| | - James O'Beirne
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked bag 4, Maroochydore DC, QLD, 4558, Australia
| | - Ingrid J Hickman
- The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.,Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Patricia C Valery
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Locked bag 2000, Royal Brisbane Hospital, QLD, 4029, Australia
| | - Sanjeewa Kularatna
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation (AusHSI), Queensland University of Technology, GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia
| | - Ruth Tulleners
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation (AusHSI), Queensland University of Technology, GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia
| | - Alison Farrington
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation (AusHSI), Queensland University of Technology, GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia
| | - Leigh Horsfall
- The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Adrian Barnett
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation (AusHSI), Queensland University of Technology, GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia
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Valery PC, Bernardes CM, Stuart KA, Hartel GF, McPhail SM, Skoien R, Rahman T, Clark PJ, Horsfall LU, Hayward KL, Gupta R, Powell EE. Development and Evaluation of the Supportive Needs Assessment Tool for Cirrhosis (SNAC). Patient Prefer Adherence 2020; 14:599-611. [PMID: 32256051 PMCID: PMC7094148 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s236818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We report the development and psychometric testing of a Supportive Needs Assessment tool for Cirrhosis (SNAC). METHODS The 50-item SNAC was administered to patients (n=465) diagnosed with cirrhosis recruited from five metropolitan hospitals in Queensland, Australia. Items were assessed for ceiling and floor effects, and exploratory factor analysis was used to assess the factor structure. Identified factors were assessed for internal consistency and convergent validity to validated psychosocial tools. RESULTS Exploratory factor analysis identified 4 factors (39 items), which together accounted for 49.2% of the total variance. The 39-item SNAC met the requirements of a needs assessment tool and identified a range of needs important to patients with cirrhosis that were grouped in four subscales: "Psychosocial issues", "Practical and physical needs", "Information needs", and "Lifestyle changes". Cronbach's alpha values for the four subscales ranged from 0.64 to 0.92. Convergent validity was supported by a strong correlation between the total SNAC score and that of the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ; Spearman rho -0.68; p<0.001), and moderate correlations with the Distress Thermometer (Spearman rho 0.53; p<0.001) and seven subscales of a generic health-related quality of life instrument (Short Form 36; Spearman rho ranged from -0.48 to -0.57; p<0.001). The SNAC discriminated patient groups with respect to sex (p=0.013), age group (p<0.001), and hospital admission status (admitted vs not; p<0.001). CONCLUSION These data provide initial evidence for the validity and reliability of the SNAC, an instrument designed to measure type and amount of perceived unmet practical and psychological needs of people diagnosed with cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia C Valery
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Katherine A Stuart
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Gunter F Hartel
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Steven M McPhail
- Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Queensland Health and the School of Public Health and Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Richard Skoien
- Department of Gastroenterology, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Tony Rahman
- Gastroenterology & Hepatology Department, The Prince Charles Hospital, Chermside, QLD, Australia
| | - Paul J Clark
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mater Hospitals, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Leigh U Horsfall
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kelly L Hayward
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Rohit Gupta
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Birtinya, QLD, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Valery PC, McPhail S, Stuart KA, Hartel G, Clark PJ, O'Beirne J, Skoien R, Rahman T, Moser C, Powell EE. Changing prevalence of aetiological factors and comorbidities among Australians hospitalised for cirrhosis. Intern Med J 2020; 51:691-698. [PMID: 32096890 DOI: 10.1111/imj.14809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rate of hospital admissions for cirrhosis increased 1.3-fold during 2008-2016 in Queensland. Alcohol misuse was a contributing factor for cirrhosis in 55% of admissions and 40% of patients had at least one comorbidity. AIMS To examine the temporal change in aetiology of liver disease and presence of comorbidity in patients admitted with cirrhosis. METHODS Population-based retrospective cohort study of all people treated in hospital for cirrhosis (10 254 patients) in Queensland during 2008-2016. Data were sourced from Queensland Hospital Admitted Patient Data Collection. RESULTS The commonest aetiology was alcohol (49.5%), followed by cryptogenic (unspecified cirrhosis; 28.5%), hepatitis C virus (19.3%), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) (4.8%) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) (4.3%). The prevalence of alcohol-related (P = 0.41) and hepatitis C virus (P = 0.08) remained stable between 2008-2010 and 2014-2016, that of NAFLD/NASH, cryptogenic and HBV-cirrhosis increased by 67% (P < 0.00001), 27% (P < 0.00001) and 20% (P = 0.00019), respectively; 41.1% of patients had at least one comorbidity. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes nearly doubled (from 13.7% to 25.4%; P < 0.00001) between 2008-2010 and 2014-2016. CONCLUSIONS Alcohol misuse was the most important aetiology. The importance of NAFLD/NASH, cryptogenic and HBV-cirrhosis and the burden of comorbidity increased during 2008-2016. Ongoing alcohol misuse and the increasing prevalence of NAFLD/NASH, cryptogenic cirrhosis and comorbid type 2 diabetes among admissions for cirrhosis has implications for public health interventions to reduce the burden of unhealthy lifestyle and metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia C Valery
- Population Health Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Centre for Liver Disease Research, Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Steven McPhail
- Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Queensland Health and the School of Public Health and Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Katherine A Stuart
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Gunter Hartel
- Population Health Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Paul J Clark
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mater Hospitals, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - James O'Beirne
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Richard Skoien
- Department of Gastroenterology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tony Rahman
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Chris Moser
- Statistical Services Branch, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Elangovan H, Rajagopaul S, Williams SM, McKillen B, Britton L, McPhail SM, Horsfall LU, Valery PC, Hayward KL, Powell EE. Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Interface Between Primary Care and Hepatology Clinics. Hepatol Commun 2020; 4:518-526. [PMID: 32258947 PMCID: PMC7109341 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1486] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary care physicians (PCPs) have the primary role in the diagnosis and management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and in selecting patients for referral to a hepatologist for further evaluation. This study aimed to characterize PCP referrals for patients diagnosed with NAFLD at a major referral hospital, and to determine the severity of liver disease and patient pathway following evaluation in secondary care. New patients seen in the hepatology outpatient clinic (HOC) with a secondary care diagnosis of NAFLD were identified from the HOC scheduling database. PCP referrals for these patients were retrieved from the electronic medical records and reviewed by study clinicians, along with the hepatologists' clinic notes and letters. Over a 14-month period, 234 new PCP referrals received a diagnosis of NAFLD, accounting for 20.4% of the total number of new cases (n = 1,147) seen in the HOC. The 234 referrals were received from 170 individual PCPs at 135 practices. Most patients with NAFLD (88.5%) were referred for investigation of abnormal liver enzymes or other clinical concerns, including abnormal iron studies, hepatomegaly, and abdominal pain. Only 27 (11.5%) referrals included an assessment of liver disease severity. Following evaluation in the liver clinic, 175 patients (74.8%) were found to have a low risk of advanced fibrosis, and most (n = 159; 90.9%) were discharged back to their PCP for ongoing follow-up in primary care. Conclusion: In addition to better access to noninvasive fibrosis tests, educational strategies to enhance awareness and recognition of NAFLD as a cause for many of the initial concerns prompting patient referral might improve risk stratification and increase the appropriateness of PCP referrals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harendran Elangovan
- Center for Liver Disease Research Faculty of Medicine The University of Queensland Translational Research Institute Woolloongabba Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Princess Alexandra Hospital Woolloongabba Australia
| | - Sashen Rajagopaul
- Center for Liver Disease Research Faculty of Medicine The University of Queensland Translational Research Institute Woolloongabba Australia
| | | | - Benjamin McKillen
- Center for Liver Disease Research Faculty of Medicine The University of Queensland Translational Research Institute Woolloongabba Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Princess Alexandra Hospital Woolloongabba Australia
| | - Laurence Britton
- Center for Liver Disease Research Faculty of Medicine The University of Queensland Translational Research Institute Woolloongabba Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Princess Alexandra Hospital Woolloongabba Australia
| | - Steven M McPhail
- Australian Center for Health Services Innovation Queensland University of Technology Brisbane Australia.,Center for Functioning and Health Research Metro South Health Brisbane Australia
| | - Leigh U Horsfall
- Center for Liver Disease Research Faculty of Medicine The University of Queensland Translational Research Institute Woolloongabba Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Princess Alexandra Hospital Woolloongabba Australia
| | - Patricia C Valery
- Center for Liver Disease Research Faculty of Medicine The University of Queensland Translational Research Institute Woolloongabba Australia.,QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute Brisbane Australia
| | - Kelly L Hayward
- Center for Liver Disease Research Faculty of Medicine The University of Queensland Translational Research Institute Woolloongabba Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Princess Alexandra Hospital Woolloongabba Australia
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Center for Liver Disease Research Faculty of Medicine The University of Queensland Translational Research Institute Woolloongabba Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Princess Alexandra Hospital Woolloongabba Australia
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Valery PC, Clark PJ, Pratt G, Bernardes CM, Hartel G, Toombs M, Irvine KM, Powell EE. Hospitalisation for cirrhosis in Australia: disparities in presentation and outcomes for Indigenous Australians. Int J Equity Health 2020; 19:27. [PMID: 32066438 PMCID: PMC7027067 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-020-1144-6] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Indigenous Australians experience greater health disadvantage and have a higher prevalence of many chronic health conditions. Liver diseases leading to cirrhosis are among the most common contributor to the mortality gap between Indigenous and other Australian adults. However, no comparative data exist assessing differences in presentation and patient outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians hospitalised with cirrhosis. Methods Using data from the Hospital Admitted Patient Data Collection and the Death Registry, this retrospective, population-based, cohort study including all people hospitalised for cirrhosis in the state of Queensland during 2008–2017 examined rate of readmission (Poisson regression), cumulative survival (Kaplan–Meier), and assessed the differences in survival (Multivariable Cox regression) by Indigenous status. Predictor variables included demographic, health service characteristics and clinical data. Results We studied 779 Indigenous and 10,642 non-Indigenous patients with cirrhosis. A higher proportion of Indigenous patients were younger than 50 years (346 [44%] vs. 2063 [19%] non-Indigenous patients), lived in most disadvantaged areas (395 [51%) vs. 2728 [26%]), had alcohol-related cirrhosis (547 [70%] vs. 5041 [47%]), had ascites (314 [40%] vs. 3555 [33%), and presented to hospital via the Emergency Department (510 [68%] vs. 4790 [47%]). Indigenous patients had 3.04 times the rate of non-cirrhosis readmissions (95%CI 2.98–3.10), 1.35 times the rate of cirrhosis-related readmissions (95%CI 1.29–1.41), and lower overall survival (17% vs. 27%; unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 1.16 95%CI 1.06–1.27), compared to non-Indigenous patients. Most of the survival deficit was explained by Emergency Department presentation (adj-HR = 1.03 95%CI 0.93–1.13), and alcohol-related aetiology (adj-HR = 1.08 95%CI 0.99–1.19). The remaining survival deficit was influenced by the other clinico-demographic and health service factors (final adj-HR = 1.08 95%CI 0.96–1.20). Conclusions There was evidence of differential presentation, higher rates of readmissions, and poorer survival for Indigenous Australians with cirrhosis, compared to other Australians. The increased prevalence of Emergency Department presentation among Indigenous patients suggests missed opportunities for early intervention to prevent progressive cirrhosis complications and hospital readmissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia C Valery
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia. .,Centre for Liver Disease Research, Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Paul J Clark
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mater Hospitals, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Gregory Pratt
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Christina M Bernardes
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Gunter Hartel
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Maree Toombs
- Rural Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia
| | - Katharine M Irvine
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Mater Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Centre for Liver Disease Research, Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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49
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Hayward KL, Valery PC, Cottrell WN, Irvine KM, Martin JH, Powell EE. Reply. Hepatol Commun 2019; 3:1283-1284. [PMID: 31497749 PMCID: PMC6719738 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1398] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly L Hayward
- Centre for Liver Disease Research The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute Woolloongabba Australia
- Pharmacy Department Princess Alexandra Hospital Woolloongabba Australia
| | | | - W Neil Cottrell
- School of Pharmacy University of Queensland Woolloongabba Australia
| | - Katharine M Irvine
- Centre for Liver Disease Research The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute Woolloongabba Australia
| | - Jennifer H Martin
- School of Medicine and Public Health University of Newcastle Callaghan Australia
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Centre for Liver Disease Research The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute Woolloongabba Australia
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Princess Alexandra Hospital Woolloongabba Australia
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50
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Loh Z, Fitzsimmons RL, Reid RC, Ramnath D, Clouston A, Gupta PK, Irvine KM, Powell EE, Schroder K, Stow JL, Sweet MJ, Fairlie DP, Iyer A. Inhibitors of class I histone deacetylases attenuate thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis in mice by suppressing hepatic type 2 inflammation. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 176:3775-3790. [PMID: 31236923 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Chronic liver diseases feature excessive collagen and matrix protein deposition or crosslinking that characterises fibrosis, leads to scar tissue, and disrupts liver functions. There is no effective treatment. This study investigated whether treatment with selective histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors might specifically reduce type 2 inflammation in the injured liver, thereby attenuating fibrogenesis in mice. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Thioacetamide (TAA) was used to induce hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, and liver damage in female C57BL/6 mice, similar to the clinical features of chronic human liver disease. We used eight inhibitors of different human HDAC enzymes to probe histological (IHC and TUNEL), biochemical and immunological changes (flow cytometry, qPCR, Legendplex, and ELISA) in pathology, fibrosis, hepatic immune cell flux, and inflammatory cytokine expression. KEY RESULTS Inhibitors of class I, but not class II, HDAC enzymes potently suppressed chronic hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in mice, attenuating accumulation and activation of IL-33-dependent, but not IL-25-dependent, group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) and inhibiting type 2 inflammation that drives hepatic stellate cells to secrete excessive collagen and matrix proteins. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The results show that potent and selective inhibitors of class I only HDAC enzymes profoundly inhibit hepatocyte death and type 2 inflammation to prevent TAA-induced liver fibrosis in mice. The specific HDAC enzymes identified here may be key promoters of inflammation in chronic liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixuan Loh
- Centre for Inflammation and Disease Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rebecca L Fitzsimmons
- Centre for Inflammation and Disease Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Robert C Reid
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Divya Ramnath
- Centre for Inflammation and Disease Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrew Clouston
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Praveer K Gupta
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Katharine M Irvine
- Mater Research, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E Powell
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kate Schroder
- Centre for Inflammation and Disease Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Stow
- Centre for Inflammation and Disease Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Matthew J Sweet
- Centre for Inflammation and Disease Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - David P Fairlie
- Centre for Inflammation and Disease Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Abishek Iyer
- Centre for Inflammation and Disease Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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