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Sharma P, Shenoy A, Shroff H, Kwong A, Lim N, Pillai A, Devuni D, Haque LY, Balliet W, Serper M. Management of alcohol-associated liver disease and alcohol use disorder in liver transplant candidates and recipients: Challenges and opportunities. Liver Transpl 2024; 30:848-861. [PMID: 38471008 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol-associated liver disease poses a significant global health burden, with rising alcohol consumption and prevalence of alcohol use disorder (AUD) contributing to increased morbidity and mortality. This review examines the challenges and opportunities in the care of candidates and recipients of liver transplant (LT) with AUD. Despite advancements in posttransplant patient survival, the risk of disease recurrence and alcohol relapse remains substantial. Several challenges have been identified, including (1) rising disease burden of alcohol-associated liver disease, variable transplant practices, and systemic barriers; (2) disparities in mental health therapy access and the impact on transplant; (3) variable definitions, underdiagnosis, and stigma affecting access to care; and (4) post-LT relapse, its risk factors, and consequential harm. The review focuses on the opportunities to improve AUD care for candidates and recipients of LT through effective biochemical monitoring, behavioral and pharmacologic approaches, creating Centers of Excellence for post-LT AUD care, advocating for policy reforms, and ensuring insurance coverage for necessary services as essential steps toward improving patient outcomes. The review also highlights unmet needs, such as the scarcity of addiction specialists, and calls for further research on personalized behavioral treatments, digital health, and value-based care models to optimize AUD care in the LT setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratima Sharma
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Akhil Shenoy
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Hersh Shroff
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Allison Kwong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Nicholas Lim
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Anjana Pillai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Deepika Devuni
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lamia Y Haque
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases and Program in Addiction Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Wendy Balliet
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Marina Serper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Lee BP, Louvet A. Longitudinal Change of Alcohol Use is a Dynamic Contributor to Steatotic Liver Disease Progression. Gastroenterology 2024; 166:965-967. [PMID: 38555072 PMCID: PMC11232659 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2024.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Institute for Addiction Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Alexandre Louvet
- Service des maladies de l'appareil digestif, Hôpital Huriez, Lille, France.
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3
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Lee BP, Terrault NA. Liver transplantation for alcohol-associated liver disease: A call for national standards of best practices to monitor and bridge disparities in access and outcomes. Am J Transplant 2023; 23:1097-1101. [PMID: 37023857 PMCID: PMC10524758 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2023.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Early (ie, without a mandated abstinence period) liver transplantation for alcohol-associated liver disease is the fastest-growing indication for liver transplantation in the United States. Despite widespread adoption, there is no standardization of practice or policies across transplant centers, nor are there any quality metrics from regulatory organizations specific to alcohol, all of which have likely contributed to confirmed disparities in transplant access and patient outcomes. In this article, we propose new mandates and best practices that could be put forth by the organ procurement and transplantation network regarding processes related to candidate selection, monitoring of alcohol use, and services to prevent and treat harmful alcohol use among early transplant candidates and recipients. We hope that this article stimulates discussion and leads to policy changes to maximize equity and quality of transplant care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Norah A Terrault
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Hernandez-Tejero M, Clemente-Sanchez A, Bataller R. Spectrum, Screening, and Diagnosis of Alcohol-related Liver Disease. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2023; 13:75-87. [PMID: 36647416 PMCID: PMC9840079 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) represents one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease and is a major cause of liver-related deaths worldwide. ALD encompasses a range of disorders including simple steatosis, alcoholic steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Patients with underlying ALD and continued heavy alcohol consumption can also develop an episode of acute-on-chronic liver injury called alcohol-associated hepatitis, the most severe form of the disease, which portends a poor prognosis. The most important risk factor for the development of ALD is the amount of alcohol consumed. Individual susceptibility to progression to advanced fibrosis among heavy drinkers is likely determined by a combination of behavioral, environmental, genetic, and epigenetic factors, but the mechanisms are largely unknown. The only effective therapy for ALD is prolonged alcohol abstinence. Diagnosis of ALD involves assessing patients for alcohol use disorder and signs of advanced liver disease. In clinical practice, the histological assessment for ALD diagnosis is uncommon, and it is usually based on the medical history, clinical manifestations, and laboratory and imaging tests. Several promising biomarkers that can have both diagnostic and prognostic value in patients with ALD have been identified in recent years. This review provides an overview of the clinical spectrum of ALD, the diagnostic approach of the disease from different perspectives as well as current diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.
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Key Words
- AH, alcohol-associated hepatitis
- ALD, alcohol-related liver disease
- ASH, alcoholic steatohepatitis
- AST, aspartate aminotransferase
- AUD, alcohol use disorder
- AUDIT, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test
- CAGE, Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye-opener
- DSM-5, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth edition
- GGT, gamma-glutamyl transferase
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- INR, international normalized ratio
- LSM, liver stiffness measurement
- NAFLD, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- PCF, pericellular fibrosis
- SFS, SALVE fibrosis stages
- SHG, SALVE Histopathology Group
- TE, transient elastography
- WHO, World Health Organization
- alcohol-associated hepatitis
- alcohol-related liver cirrhosis
- alcohol-related liver disease
- alcoholic steatohepatitis
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Hernandez-Tejero
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Center for Liver Diseases, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, 200 Lothrop St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Ana Clemente-Sanchez
- Liver Unit, Digestive Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Complutense University of Madrid, CIBERehd, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Liver Diseases, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, 200 Lothrop St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Ramon Bataller
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Center for Liver Diseases, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, 200 Lothrop St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramon Bataller
- From the Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona (R.B.); Departamento de Gastroenterología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago (J.P.A.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, and London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada (J.P.A.); and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (V.H.S.)
| | - Juan Pablo Arab
- From the Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona (R.B.); Departamento de Gastroenterología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago (J.P.A.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, and London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada (J.P.A.); and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (V.H.S.)
| | - Vijay H Shah
- From the Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona (R.B.); Departamento de Gastroenterología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago (J.P.A.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, and London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada (J.P.A.); and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (V.H.S.)
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Jowsey-Gregoire S, Jannetto PJ, Jesse MT, Fleming J, Winder GS, Balliet W, Kuntz K, Vasquez A, Weinland S, Hussain F, Weinrieb R, Fireman M, Nickels MW, Peipert JD, Thomas C, Zimbrean PC. Substance use screening in transplant populations: Recommendations from a consensus workgroup. Transplant Rev (Orlando) 2022; 36:100694. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2022.100694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Management of alcohol use disorder in patients with cirrhosis in the setting of liver transplantation. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 19:45-59. [PMID: 34725498 PMCID: PMC8559139 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-021-00527-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of alcohol use disorder (AUD) has been steadily increasing over the past decade. In parallel, alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) has been increasing at an alarming rate, especially among young patients. Data suggest that most patients with ALD do not receive AUD therapy. Although liver transplantation is the only curative therapy for end-stage ALD, transplant candidacy is often a matter of debate given concerns about patients being under-treated for AUD and fears of post-transplantation relapse affecting the allograft. In this Review, we discuss diagnosis, predictors and effects of relapse, behavioural therapies and pharmacotherapies, and we also propose an integrative, multidisciplinary and multimodality approach for treating AUD in patients with cirrhosis, especially in the setting of liver transplantation. Notably, this approach takes into account the utility of AUD pharmacotherapy in patients on immunosuppressive medications and those with renal impairment after liver transplantation. We also propose a comprehensive and objective definition of relapse utilizing contemporary biomarkers to guide future clinical trials. Future research using the proposed approach and definition is warranted with the goal of optimizing AUD treatment in patients with cirrhosis, the transplant selection process and post-transplantation care of patients with AUD.
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Kruckenberg KM, Shenai N, Dew MA, Switzer G, Hughes C, DiMartini AF. Transplant-related trauma, personal growth and alcohol use outcomes in a cohort of patients receiving transplants for alcohol associated liver disease. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2021; 72:73-80. [PMID: 34311144 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2021.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver transplantation (LT) is stressful experience which can cause psychological trauma but also positive growth. We examined the prevalence of transplant related post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTSD) and post-traumatic growth (PTG) in a cohort of alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) LT recipients. We also examined whether PTG or PTSD symptoms were associated with post-LT alcohol use. METHODS Cross sectional survey of 51 ALD LT recipients one-year post-LT assessed PTSD symptoms, PTG, stress, self-efficacy, social support, and alcohol use. RESULTS 18% endorsed symptoms of PTSD; 59% endorsed high PTG. PTSD symptoms and PTG were not associated. 18% drank alcohol; 10% returned to health harmful use. Neither PTSD symptoms nor PTG were associated with alcohol use. Less self-efficacy to abstain and thoughts of drinking were associated with alcohol use. CONCLUSIONS A substantial percentage of ALD LT patients had transplant-related PTSD symptoms and high PTG. Alcohol use was not associated with PTSD symptoms or PTG. Lower self-efficacy to abstain from alcohol use may provide a valuable clinical measure to assess risk for post-LT use. Clinical screening for PTSD would be beneficial as effective treatments for PTSD exist. Whether PTG can be facilitated in transplant recipients would be a valuable future line of inquiry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Neeta Shenai
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Mary Amanda Dew
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America; Department of Clinical and Translational Science, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America; Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Galen Switzer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America; Department of Clinical and Translational Science, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America; Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America; Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Christopher Hughes
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Andrea F DiMartini
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America; Department of Clinical and Translational Science, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America; Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America.
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Asrani SK, Mellinger J, Arab JP, Shah VS. Reducing the Global Burden of Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease: A Blueprint for Action. Hepatology 2021; 73:2039-2050. [PMID: 32986883 PMCID: PMC9361217 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is a major driver of global liver related morbidity and mortality. There are 2.4 billion drinkers (950 million heavy drinkers) and the lifetime prevalence of any alcohol use disorder (AUD) is 5.1%-8.6%. In 2017, global prevalence of alcohol-associated compensated and decompensated cirrhosis was 23.6 million and 2.5 million, respectively. Combined, alcohol-associated cirrhosis and liver cancer account for 1% of all deaths worldwide with this burden expected to increase. Solutions for this growing epidemic must be multi-faceted and focused on both population and patient-level interventions. Reductions in ALD-related morbidity and mortality require solutions that focus on early identification and intervention, reducing alcohol consumption at the population level (taxation, reduced availability and restricted promotion), and solutions tailored to local socioeconomic realities (unrecorded alcohol consumption, focused youth education). Simple screening tools and algorithms can be applied at the population level to identify alcohol misuse, diagnose ALD using non-invasive serum and imaging markers, and risk-stratify higher-risk ALD/AUD patients. Novel methods of healthcare delivery and platforms are needed (telehealth, outreach, use of non-healthcare providers, partnerships between primary and specialty care/tertiary hospitals) to proactively mitigate the global burden of ALD. An integrated approach that combines medical and AUD treatment is needed at the individual level to have the highest impact. Future needs include (1) improving quality of ALD data and standardizing care, (2) supporting innovative healthcare delivery platforms that can treat both ALD and AUD, (3) stronger and concerted advocacy by professional hepatology organizations, and (4) advancing implementation of digital interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumeet K Asrani
- Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States,Corresponding Author and reprint requests Sumeet K Asrani MD MSc, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas Texas, 2148208500
| | - Jessica Mellinger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Juan P Arab
- Depto. Gastroenterología y Hepatología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile
| | - Vijay S Shah
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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Ayyala-Somayajula D, Han H, Terrault NA. Selective use of liver transplantation for severe alcohol-associated hepatitis. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 14:175-184. [PMID: 32077333 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2020.1733414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Severe alcohol-associated hepatitis (sAH) portends high morbidity and mortality and there are no effective therapies for those ineligible or unresponsive to corticosteroids. Early liver transplantation (LT) defined as transplantation without a mandated period of sobriety, for sAH, is being increasingly considered as a rescue therapy.Areas covered: PubMed and manual searches were combined and last performed on 28 October 2019. Key search terms were 'alcoholic hepatitis', 'abstinence', 'alcohol relapse', and 'liver transplantation'. Terms were combined within each database. General reviews and references from published trials were also used.Expert opinion: Early LT is indicated in highly selected patients with sAH. While long-term data are sparse, 1 and 3-year survival post-transplantation are excellent and comparable to other liver diseases. Alcohol relapse is uncommon but approaches 10-25% at 3 years and if use is heavy and/or sustained leads to reduced survival. Thus, for continued application of transplantation for this indication, there is a need to further refine selection criteria and to optimize management of alcohol use disorder (AUD) in the transplant setting. Integral to advancing these objectives is the elimination of societal stigmatization and an acknowledgment that AUD is a medical condition that requires long-term management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hyosun Han
- Department of Medicine, USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Norah A Terrault
- Department of Medicine, USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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