Thirty-Day Readmission and Cost Analysis in Patients With Cirrhosis: A Nationwide Population-Based Data

Relationship between Quality Practice Metrics and Treatment Outcomes in Hospitalized Cirrhotic Patients

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Variations in cirrhosis management practices and care quality affect patient prognoses and outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the number of successful cirrhosis care processes and the relationship between the quality statement implementation and clinical outcomes in patients with cirrhosis.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included hospitalized patients with cirrhosis. Eighteen process-based methods were independently assessed. Measurement indices for each participant were selected per cirrhosis severity. Service quality was determined using standard settings for each process-based gap scale. The optimal care group comprised participants who adhered to all instruction quality indices. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis assessed the 90-day readmission and mortality rates relating to the optimal quality care.

RESULTS

Of the 205 patients (73.2% male; mean age, 62.7±11.8 years), the median Model for End-stage Liver Disease score was 15.35 (9.37-21.37), and the majority were Child-Pugh B/C. Previously set performance gaps were observed for 13/18 quality processes, and 5/13 clinical processes attained the final goal. Paracentesis in ascites patients, antibiotic administration within 12 hours of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis diagnosis, and precipitating factors identification with lactulose therapy were the top three quality index (QI) accomplishments. Out of 205 patients, 84 attained optimal care. Concerning optimal care, although the readmission rate remained same, patients with decompensated Child-Pugh C who received excellent complete QI care had significantly increased both 1-month (100% vs. 43.5%; p=0.022) and 3-month (100% vs. 26.1%; p=0.022) survival in comparison to those receiving incomplete QI care.

CONCLUSION

Using quality metrics for the appropriate stage of individual cirrhosis treatment is advocated as best practice. Adherence to standard practices improves clinical outcomes.

A Nonrandomized Pilot Study to Investigate the Acceptability and Feasibility of LivR Well: A Multifaceted 28-Day Home-Based Liver Optimization Program for Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure

Background and Aims

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) has a 22%-74% 28-day mortality rate and 30%-40% 30-day readmission rate. We investigated the acceptability and feasibility of a multimodal community intervention for ACLF.

Methods

A single-arm nonrandomized pilot study of consecutive participants with ACLF was conducted in a tertiary health service. Participants received weekly medical and nursing reviews, dietetics, physiotherapy, pharmacy, social work, addiction medicine, and neuropsychiatry, where indicated. A digital platform included remote weight monitoring and online surveys. The primary outcome was acceptability/feasibility. Secondary outcomes included safety, mortality, readmission, liver disease severity, and costs.

Results

Fifty-nine patients were enrolled with median age 51 years (interquartile range (IQR): 45-59); majority alcohol etiology (74%),and median Model for End-Stage Liver Disease Sodium score 16 (IQR: 12-21). LivR Well was acceptable with low attrition (8 of 59), adherence to the program including home visits (mean 8.4 ± 4.2) and consultations (mean 2.4 ± 1.5) per patient. This was supported by positive feedback and themes identified through a qualitative subanalysis. Feasibility was demonstrated by recruitment rate of 4.94 patients/month and 86% completion. Mortality was lower than expected at 3%, 30-day readmission rate was 15%, and median Model for End-Stage Liver Disease Sodium score reduced to 15 (P = .01). Median 6-month costs reduced from $30,454 (IQR: $21,953-$65,657) to $17,657 ($4249-$42,876) (P = .009). The total 6-month health-care cost was $1,868,859 (95% confidence interval 1,081,821-2,655,897) compared to $2,518,227 (95% confidence interval 1,959,610-3,076,844).

Conclusion

LivR Well was acceptable, feasible, and safe with low short-term mortality and readmission rates. Health-care costs were reduced by 26% driven by a 40% reduction in 30-day readmission. Further evaluation includes a randomized controlled trial of LivR Well compared to standard care.

Financial burden and social implications of chronic liver disease in a patient population group in Pakistan

Objective

To assess economic and social issues faced by cirrhotic patients & its financial burden for developing nations like Pakistan.

Method

This cross-sectional study was carried out at the Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan during the period between July & December 2019. Patients with liver cirrhosis were recruited and information regarding disease, financial status, treatment expenses & dependency was recorded.

Results

A total of 450 patients were recruited, 272 (60%) were males & 178 (40%) were females, with mean age 55.4±6.2 years. HCV was cause of cirrhosis in 86% of cases, 65% were diagnosed incidentally and 39.6% were illiterate. About 82.7% were urban while only 28.7% own their own home. Co-morbid conditions including diabetes, hypertension & ischemic heart disease were present in 54% of cases. Monthly income was

Conclusions

Our study shows the financial difficulties & dependency faced by patients with liver cirrhosis. Aggressive national screening is required to discover infected patients before cirrhosis develops.

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Key Words

• Chronic Liver Disease
• Financial burden
• Social implications

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Affiliation(s)

Adnan Salim Adnan Salim, FCPS FRCP (Glasgow) Associate Professor, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Shaikh Zayed Hospital & Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore, Pakistan
Muhammad Omer Farooq Muhammad Omer Farooq, FCPS Senior Registrar, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Shaikh Zayed Hospital & Postgraduate, Medical Institute, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan
Sonia Saleem Sonia Saleem, FCPS Gastroenterology Consultant, Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist, DHA Medical Center, Lahore, Pakistan
Kashif Malik Kashif Malik, FCPS Professor, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Shaikh Zayed Hospital & Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore, Pakistan

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Design, implementation, and impact of a cirrhosis-specific remote patient monitoring program

BACKGROUND

Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is an emerging focus in health care, and specialized programs may reduce medical costs, supplement in-office visits, and improve patient satisfaction. In this study, we describe the development, feasibility, and early outcomes of an RPM program for patients with decompensated cirrhosis.

METHODS

Forty-six patients were offered enrollment at the time of hospital discharge in the cirrhosis RPM program (CiRPM), of which 41 completed at least 30 days of monitoring. Participants were mailed remote monitoring equipment and a tablet to be used for patient-reported outcomes. Alerts were continuously monitored by virtual nursing staff who could perform targeted interventions. A cohort of historical controls (n = 74) was created for comparison using inverse probability of treatment weighting.

RESULTS

Patients were enrolled in the program for a mean of 83.9 days, with 28 (68%) completing the full 90-day program. Participants uploaded vital signs and responded to symptom-based questionnaires on 93% of the monitored days. On end-of-program surveys, over 75% of patients expressed satisfaction with the program. Gender, age, and MELD-Na were similar between CiRPM and weighted control groups. The 90-day readmission rate was 34% in CiRPM and 47% in weighted controls. In the CiRPM group, 12% of subjects had 2 or more admissions, compared to 37% in the weighted control group.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the feasibility of a cirrhosis-specific RPM program. Overall, patient satisfaction and utilization of the CiRPM was high. Future studies are needed to confirm the impact of RPM on the reduction of hospital readmissions in decompensated cirrhosis.

Prescribing Benzodiazepines and Opioids and Clinical Characteristics Associated With 30-Day Hospital Return in Patients Aged ≥75 Years: Secondary Data Analysis

PURPOSE

The current study compared prevalence of opioid or benzodiazepine (BZD) prescription and co-prescription of opioids and BZD at discharge and return to a community hospital within 30 days, as well as identified clinical characteristics associated with hospital return in patients aged ≥75 years.

METHOD

A secondary analysis of a database created during implementation of the Safe Transitions for At Risk Patients program at a 400-bed community teaching hospital in south Florida was conducted. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify significant demographic and clinical characteristics associated with return to the hospital within 30 days of discharge.

RESULTS

A total of 24,262 participants (52.6% women) with a mean age of 85.3 (SD = 6.42) years were included. More than 20% in each central nervous system prescription group (i.e., opioids only, BZD only, opioids and BZD) returned to the hospital within 30 days of discharge. Demographic and chronic conditions (e.g., congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes) and poly-pharmacy were significant factors of a 30-day return to the hospital.

CONCLUSION

Findings highlight the importance of hospital nurses' role in identifying high-risk patients, educating patients and caregivers, monitoring them closely, communicating with primary care physicians and specialists, and conducting intensive follow up via telephone to avoid 30-day rehospitalization. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 50(4), 25-33.].

Risk factors for hospital readmission among patients with cirrhosis and ascites in China: a retrospective observational study

OBJECTIVE

In this investigation, we aimed to explore risk factors for 90-day hospital readmission among patients with cirrhosis and ascites in an Asian population.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, we included consecutive patients diagnosed with cirrhosis and ascites hospitalized in Renji Hospital between 2018 and 2022 to elucidate risk factors for 90-day readmission. We conducted multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify readmission risk factors.

RESULTS

We included 265 patients with cirrhosis and ascites. A 43% readmission rate was observed within 90 days. After adjustment for multiple covariates, we found that readmission within 90 days was independently linked to reduced levels of hemoglobin (odds ratio [OR] 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.94-0.97) and serum albumin (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.83-0.93), and higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease and sodium (MELD-Na) scores (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.07) at discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with cirrhosis who have ascites are frequently rehospitalized within 90 days after discharge. Lower hemoglobin or albumin and higher MELD-Na scores at discharge may be the main risk factors for hospital readmission.

Collaborating with patients and caregivers to create web-based educational resources for people affected by cirrhosis

Objective

To describe the development of multimodal, web-based educational resources about cirrhosis alongside patients and caregivers.

Methods

We used an iterative process that was guided by the Strategy for Patient Oriented Research (SPOR) patient engagement framework in describing patient engagement activities to partner with a team of 16 patients and caregivers (Patient Advisory Team (PAT)). This process included five phases: a) Prioritize and gather content, b) design and build the website and videos, c) gather and integrate feedback, d) improve user accessibility, and e) assess usability and knowledge uptake for users.

Results

This 2-year process resulted in a 55-page website and 78 animated and live-action videos on cirrhosis complications, procedures, nutrition, and exercise. We implemented usability testing through pre-defined tasks and a think-aloud method from individuals with no previous exposure to the website to assess navigation, appearance, and content issues. Following usability testing, we have been gathering quantitative data from each unique page about relevance and ease of use, as well as qualitative data on the value of the content itself.

Conclusions

Collaboration between clinicians, patients, and caregivers is key to developing high-quality digital educational resources. Lessons from our process may help other organizations looking to address disease-specific knowledge gaps. Next steps with www.cirrhosiscare.ca will be continued iterative refinement and structured impact evaluation.

Innovation

This project used a patient-centered approach to develop a comprehensive online educational resource for patients with cirrhosis. By having patients with cirrhosis as a key part of our team, we ensured that the site met the needs of this unique population.

Integration of Cirrhosis Best Practices Into Electronic Medical Record Documentation Associated With Reduction in 30-Day Mortality Following Hospitalization

BACKGROUND

Hospital admissions for patients with cirrhosis continue to increase. In New York City, 25% to 30% of hospitalized cirrhotics are readmitted within 30 days. Rehospitalization is associated with increased mortality, poor quality of life, and financial burden to patients, hospitals, and payers. Preventable readmissions are partially accounted for by a well-documented quality gap between evidence-based guidelines for cirrhosis management and real-world adherence to these recommendations.

METHODS

We performed a prospective cohort study that compared outcomes among cirrhotic patients admitted to 4 internal medicine teams over a 6-month period. An electronic medical record (EMR) note template that outlined best-practice measures for cirrhotics was developed. Inpatient providers on 2 teams were instructed to include it in daily progress notes and discharge summaries. The recommended practices included diagnostic paracentesis and diuretics for ascites, rifaximin, and lactulose for hepatic encephalopathy, beta blockers for esophageal varices, and antibiotic prophylaxis for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. The remaining 2 teams continued the standard of care for cirrhotic patients. The primary outcome was 30-day readmissions. Secondary outcomes included in-hospital mortality, 30-day mortality, length of stay, and adherence to best-practice guidelines.

RESULTS

Over a 6-month period, 108 cirrhotic patients were admitted, 83 in the interventional group and 25 in the control group. MELD-Na scores on admission did not differ between the groups (20.1 vs. 21.1, P =0.56). Thirty-day readmissions were not significantly different between the interventional and control groups (19.3% vs. 24%, P =0.61). However, 30-day mortality was significantly lower in the interventional group (8.4% vs. 28%, P =0.01). There was no difference between the 2 groups in in-hospital mortality (4.8% vs. 0%, P =0.27), 90-day mortality (15.7% vs. 28.0%, P =0.17) or length of stay (10.2 vs. 12.6 d, P =0.34). Adherence to best-practice metrics was similar between the groups, except for rates of diagnostic paracentesis, which were higher in the interventional group (98% vs. 80%, P =0.01).

CONCLUSION

Implementation of an EMR note template with cirrhosis best practices was associated with lower 30-day mortality and higher rates of diagnostic paracentesis among admitted patients with cirrhosis. These findings suggest that the integration of best-practice measures into the EMR may improve outcomes in hospitalized cirrhotic patients. Larger studies are required to validate these findings.

Quantifying days at home in patients with cirrhosis: A national cohort study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Days at home (DAH) is a patient-centric metric developed by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, capturing annual health care use, including and beyond hospitalizations and mortality. We quantified DAH and assessed factors associated with DAH differences among patients with cirrhosis.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

Using a national claims database (Optum) between 2014 and 2018, we calculated DAH (365 minus mortality, inpatient, observation, postacute, and emergency department days). Among 20,776,597 patients, 63,477 had cirrhosis (median age, 66, 52% males, and 63% non-Hispanic White). Age-adjusted mean DAH for cirrhosis was 335.1 days (95% CI: 335.0 to 335.2) vs 360.1 (95% CI: 360.1 to 360.1) without cirrhosis. In mixed-effects linear regression, adjusted for demographic and clinical characteristics, patients with decompensated cirrhosis spent 15.2 days (95% CI: 14.4 to 15.8) in postacute, emergency, and observation settings and 13.8 days (95% CI: 13.5 to 14.0) hospitalized. Hepatic encephalopathy (-29.2 d, 95% CI: -30.4 to -28.0), ascites (-34.6 d, 95% CI: -35.3 to -33.9), and combined ascites and hepatic encephalopathy (-63.8 d, 95% CI: -65.0 to -62.6) were associated with decreased DAH. Variceal bleeding was not associated with a change in DAH (-0.2 d, 95% CI: -1.6 to +1.1). Among hospitalized patients, during the 365 days after index hospitalization, patients with cirrhosis had fewer age-adjusted DAH (272.8 d, 95% CI: 271.5 to 274.1) than congestive heart failure (288.0 d, 95% CI: 287.7 to 288.3) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (296.6 d, 95% CI: 296.3 to 297.0).

CONCLUSIONS

In this national study, we found that patients with cirrhosis spend as many, if not more, cumulative days receiving postacute, emergency, and observational care, as hospitalized care. Ultimately, up to 2 months of DAH are lost annually with the onset of liver decompensation. DAH may be a useful metric for patients and health systems alike.

Measuring Medication Use, Obstacles, and Knowledge in Individuals With Cirrhosis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Although patient knowledge is modifiable, there are no widely accepted tools to measure patient understanding during cirrhosis care. We aimed to develop and validate "My Cirrhosis Coach" (MCC), a personalized, self-administered questionnaire to evaluate cirrhosis-related medication use, obstacles, and understanding.

METHODS

Adults with cirrhosis were prospectively enrolled at 3 tertiary centers from July 2016 through July 2020. Psychometrics including confirmatory factor analysis was used to develop and validate a final questionnaire. Content validity was measured via the content validity index and expert performance. Discriminant validity was assessed by comparing scores between groups hypothesized to have varying performance.

RESULTS

The MCC was tested in a diverse cohort (n = 713) with cirrhosis and its complications including ascites (45%) and hepatic encephalopathy (33%) with median Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium 10 (interquartile range, 9-15). A 6-factor model of the MCC fit the data well (root mean square error of approximation, 0.22; comparative fit index, 0.96; standardized root mean squared residual, 0.104; final domains: Medication Use & Accessibility, Medication Obstacles, Lactulose Use, Diuretic Use, Beta Blocker Use, and Dietary Sodium Use). The MCC had excellent content validity (content validity index, 81%-94%) and accuracy (91%-100%) ratings by experts. Mean domain scores ranged from 1.1 to 2.6 (range, 0-3; 3 indicating better performance). Those with a cirrhosis complication scored higher in the relevant medication domain (ie, diuretic use score in ascites). Compared with outpatients, inpatients scored higher in all knowledge domains except salt use and reported more medication obstacles. Scores differed by income, education level, and having an adult at home.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large, diverse cohort, we validated the MCC, which can serve to standardize medication use and knowledge measurement in clinical practice and education-based studies in cirrhosis.

Retrospective analyses of the outcomes among hospitalized liver cirrhosis patients with heart failure and COVID-19 infection: Insight from the National Inpatient Sample

Background

There is paucity of data regarding the impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection on the outcomes of hospitalized liver cirrhosis (LC) patients with heart failure (HF).

Methods

Utilizing the 2020 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) Database, we conducted a retrospective cohort study to investigate the outcomes of hospitalized LC patients with HF and COVID-19 infection, looking at its impact on in-hospital mortality, risk for acute kidney injury (AKI) and length of stay (LOS).

Results

We identified a total of 10,810 hospitalized LC patients with HF, of which 1.39 % (n = 150/10,810) had COVID-19 infection. Using a stepwise survey multivariable logistic regression model that adjusted for patient and hospital level confounders, COVID-19 infection among hospitalized LC patients with HF was found to be an independent predictor of overall in-hospital mortality (aOR 3.73; 95 % CI, 1.58-8.79; p = 0.00) and risk for AKI (aOR 3.06; 95 % CI, 1.27-7.37; p = 0.01) compared to those without COVID-19 infection. However, there were comparable rates of LOS among LC patients with HF regardless of COVID-19 infection status. Moreover, AKI was found to be an independent predictor of longer LOS (coefficient 4.40, 95 % CI 3.26-5.38; p = 0.00). On subgroup analysis, diastolic HF was found to be associated with increased risk for in-hospital mortality (aOR 6.54; 95 % CI, 2.02-21.20; p = 0.00), development of AKI (aOR 3.33; 95 % CI, 1.12-9.91; p = 0.03) and longer LOS (coefficient 4.30, 95 % CI 0.79-9.45; p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Concomitant COVID-19 infection among hospitalized LC patients with HF was associated with higher risk for in-hospital mortality and AKI but did not significantly affect hospital LOS.

Acute-on-chronic liver failure: Controversies and consensus

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a poorly defined syndrome characterised by rapid clinical deterioration in patients with chronic liver disease. Consequences include high short-term morbidity, mortality, and healthcare resource utilisation. ACLF encompasses a dysregulated, systemic inflammatory response, which can precipitate extra hepatic organ failures. Common precipitants include infection, alcoholic hepatitis, and reactivation of viral hepatitis although frequently no cause is identified. Heterogenous definitions, diagnostic criteria, and treatment guidelines, have been proposed by international hepatology societies. This can result in delayed or missed diagnoses of ACLF, significant variability in clinical management, and under-estimation of disease burden. Liver transplantation may be considered but the mainstay of treatment is organ support, often in the intensive care unit. This review will provide clarity around where are the controversies and consensus in ACLF including: Epidemiology and resource utilisation, key clinical and diagnostic features, strategies for management, and research gaps.

Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Outcomes in the Elderly Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a procedure typically utilized to treat refractory ascites and variceal bleeding. However, TIPS can lead to significant complications, most commonly hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Advanced age has been described as a risk factor for HE, as the elderly population tends to have decreased cognitive reserve and increased sarcopenia. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available literature to summarize the association between advanced age and risk of adverse events after undergoing TIPS.

Methods

A comprehensive search strategy to identify reports of specific outcomes (HE, 30-day and 90-day mortality, and 30-day readmission due to HE) in elderly patients after undergoing TIPS was developed in Embase (Embase.com, Elsevier). We compared outcomes and performed separate data analyses for patients aged < 70 vs. > 70 years and patients aged < 65 vs. > 65 years.

Results

Six studies with a total of 1,591 patients met our inclusion criteria and were included in the final meta-analysis. Three studies divided patients by age < 65 vs. > 65 years, with a total of 816 patients who were 54% male. The remaining three studies divided patients by age < 70 vs. > 70 years, with a total of 775 patients who were 63% male. Results demonstrated a significantly lower risk of post-TIPS HE (risk ratio (RR): 0.42, confidence interval (CI): 0.185 - 0.953, P = 0.03, I2 = 49%), 30-day mortality (RR: 0.37, CI: 0.188 - 0.74, P = 0.005, I2 = 0%), and 90-day mortality (RR: 0.35, CI: 0.24 - 0.49, P = 0.001, I2 = 0%) in patients aged > 70 vs. < 70 years, as well as a trend towards lower risk of 30-day readmission due to HE. There was no significant difference in post-TIPS HE, 30-day or 90-day mortality, or 30-day readmission due to HE between patients aged < 65 vs. > 65 years.

Conclusion

Age > 70 years is associated with significantly higher rates of HE and 30-day and 90-day mortality rates in patients after undergoing TIPS, as well as a trend towards higher 30-day readmission due to HE.

Rates, Reasons, and Independent Predictors of Readmissions in Portal Venous Thrombosis Hospitalizations in the USA

BACKGROUND

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT), generally considered rare, is becoming increasingly recognized with advanced imaging. Limited data exist regarding readmissions in PVT and its burden on the overall healthcare cost. This study aimed to outline the burden of PVT readmissions and identify the modifiable predictors of readmissions.

METHODS

The National Readmission Database (NRD) was used to identify PVT admissions from 2016 to 2019. Using the patient demographic and hospital-specific variables within the NRD, we grouped patient encounters into two cohorts, 30- and 90-day readmission cohorts. We assessed comorbidities using the validated Elixhauser comorbidity index. We obtained inpatient mortality rates, mean length of hospital stay (LOS), total hospital cost (THC), and causes of readmissions in both 30- and 90-day readmission cohorts. Using a multivariate Cox regression analysis, we identified the independent predictors of 30-day readmissions.

RESULTS

We identified 17,971 unique index hospitalizations, of which 2,971 (16.5%) were readmitted within 30 days. The top five causes of readmissions in both 30-day and 90-day readmission cohorts were PVT, sepsis, hepatocellular cancer, liver failure, and alcoholic liver cirrhosis. The following independent predictors of 30-day readmission were identified: discharge against medical advice (AMA) (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.86; P = 0.002); renal failure (aHR 1.44, P = 0.014), metastatic cancer (aHR 1.31, P = 0.016), fluid and electrolyte disorders (aHR 1.20, P = 0.004), diabetes mellitus (aHR 1.31, P = 0.001) and alcohol abuse (aHR 1.31, P ≤ 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The readmission rate identified in this study was higher than the national average and targeted interventions addressing these factors may help reduce the overall health care costs.

A home-based, multidisciplinary liver optimisation programme for the first 28 days after an admission for acute-on-chronic liver failure (LivR well): a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Background

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) represents a rising global healthcare burden, characterised by increasing prevalence among patients with decompensated cirrhosis who have a 28-day transplantation-free mortality of 33.9%. Due to disease complexity and a high prevalence of socio-economic disadvantage, there are deficits in quality of care and adherence to guideline-based treatment in this cohort. Compared to other chronic conditions such as heart failure, those with liver disease have reduced access to integrated ambulatory care services. The LivR Well programme is a multidisciplinary intervention aimed at improving 28-day mortality and reducing 30-day readmission through a home-based, liver optimisation programme implemented in the first 28 days after an admission with either ACLF or hepatic decompensation. Outcomes from our feasibility study suggest that the intervention is safe and acceptable to patients and carers.

Methods

We will recruit adult patients with chronic liver disease from the emergency departments, in-patient admissions, and an ambulatory liver clinic of a multi-site quaternary health service in Melbourne, Australia. A total of 120 patients meeting EF-Clif criteria will be recruited to the ACLF arm, and 320 patients to the hepatic decompensation arm. Participants in each cohort will be randomised to the intervention arm, a 28-day multidisciplinary programme or to standard ambulatory care in a 1:1 ratio. The intervention arm includes access to nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, dietetics, social work, and neuropsychiatry clinicians. For the ACLF cohort, the primary outcome is 28-day mortality. For the hepatic decompensation cohort, the primary outcome is 30-day re-admission. Secondary outcomes assess changes in liver disease severity and quality of life. An interim analysis will be performed at 50% recruitment to consider early cessation of the trial if the intervention is superior to the control, as suggested in our feasibility study. A cost-effectiveness analysis will be performed. Patients will be followed up for 12 weeks from randomisation. Three exploratory subgroup analyses will be conducted by (a) source of referral, (b) unplanned hospitalisation, and (c) concurrent COVID-19. The trial has been registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry.

Discussion

This study implements a multidisciplinary intervention for ACLF patients with proven benefits in other chronic diseases with the addition of novel digital health tools to enable remote patient monitoring during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our feasibility study demonstrates safety and acceptability and suggests clinical improvement in a small sample size. An RCT is required to generate robust outcomes in this frail, high healthcare resource utilisation cohort with high readmission and mortality risk. Interventions such as LivR Well are urgently required but also need to be evaluated to ensure feasibility, replicability, and scalability across different healthcare systems. The implications of this trial include the generalisability of the programme for implementation across regional and urban centres.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12621001703897. Registered on 13 December 2021.

WHO Trial Registration Data Set. See Appendix 1

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-022-06679-x.

Association between metabolic overweight/obesity phenotypes and readmission risk in patients with lung cancer: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Increased body mass index (BMI) and metabolic abnormalities are controversial prognostic factors of lung cancer. However, the relationship between metabolic overweight/obesity phenotypes and hospital readmission in patients with lung cancer is rarely reported.

METHODS

We established a retrospective cohort using the United States (US) Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD). We included adult patients diagnosed with lung cancer from January 1, 2018 to November 30, 2018 and excluded patients combined with other cancers, pregnancy, died during hospitalization, low body weight, and those with missing data. The cohort was observed for hospital readmission until December 31, 2018. We defined and distinguished four metabolic overweight/obesity phenotypes: metabolically healthy with normal weight (MHNW), metabolically unhealthy with normal weight (MUNW), metabolically healthy with overweight or obesity (MHO), and metabolically unhealthy with overweight or obesity (MUO). The relationship between metabolic overweight/obesity phenotypes and 30-day readmission risk was assessed by multivariable Cox regression analysis.

FINDINGS

Of the 115,393 patients included from the NRD 2018 (MHNW [58214, 50.4%], MUNW [44980, 39.0%], MHO [5044, 4.4%], and MUO [7155, 6.2%]), patients with the phenotype MUNW (6531, 14.5%), MHO (771, 15.3%), and MUO (1155, 16.1%) had a higher readmission rate compared to those with MHNW (7901, 13.6%). Compared with patients with the MHNW phenotype, those with the MUNW (hazard ratio [HR], 1.10; 95% CI, 1.06-1.14), MHO (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.07-1.24), and MUO (HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.20-1.36) phenotypes had a higher risk of readmission, especially in men, those without surgical intervention, or those aged >60 years. In women, similar results with respect to readmission were observed in people aged >60 years (MUNW [HR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.01-1.13], MHO [HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.06-1.35], and MUO [HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.16-1.41]). We also found increased costs for 30-day readmission in patients with MHO (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.07-1.29) and MUO (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.02-1.20).

INTERPRETATION

Increased BMI and metabolic abnormalities are independently associated with higher readmission risks in patients with lung cancer, whereas increased BMI also increases the readmission costs. Follow-up and intervention method targeting increased BMI and metabolic abnormalities should be considered for patients with lung cancer.

FUNDING

The National Key Research and Development Program of China (2017YFC1309800).

Poor disease knowledge is associated with higher healthcare service use and costs among patients with cirrhosis: an exploratory study

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.

Differences in the pattern and cost of hospital care between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians with cirrhosis: an exploratory study

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.

Health care burden and mortality of acute on chronic liver failure in Thailand: a nationwide population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Accurate population-based data are required concerning the rate, economic impact, and long-term outcome from acute on chronic liver failures (ACLF) in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis. We aimed to discover time trends for the epidemiology, economic burden, and mortality of ACLF in Thailand.

METHODS

We conducted a nationwide, population-based, cohort study which involved all hospitalized patients with cirrhosis in Thailand during the period between 2009 and 2013, with data from the National Health Security Office. ACLF was defined by two or more extrahepatic organ failures in patients with cirrhosis. Primary outcomes were trends in hospitalizations, hospital costs, together with inpatient mortality.

RESULTS

The number of ACLF hospitalizations in Thailand doubled between 3185 in 2009 and 7666 in 2013. The average cost of each ACLF hospitalization was 3.5-fold higher than for cirrhosis ($ 1893 versus $ 519). The hospital is paid using a diagnosis-related group (DRG) payment system that is only 15% of the average treatment costs ($ 286 from $ 1893). The in-hospital fatality rate was 51% for ACLF while the additional fatality rate was 85% up to 1 year. The ACLF organ failure trends indicated sepsis with septic shock and renal failure as the majority proportion. Age, the number and types of organ failure and male sex were predictors of ACLF death.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Cirrhosis and ACLF both represent substantial and increasing health and economic burdens for Thailand. These data can assist national health care policy stakeholders to target high-risk patients with cirrhosis for care.

Machine learning for predicting readmission risk among the frail: Explainable AI for healthcare

Healthcare costs due to unplanned readmissions are high and negatively affect health and wellness of patients. Hospital readmission is an undesirable outcome for elderly patients. Here, we present readmission risk prediction using five machine learning approaches for predicting 30-day unplanned readmission for elderly patients (age ≥ 50 years). We use a comprehensive and curated set of variables that include frailty, comorbidities, high-risk medications, demographics, hospital, and insurance utilization to build these models. We conduct a large-scale study with electronic health record (her) data with over 145,000 observations from 76,000 patients. Findings indicate that the category boost (CatBoost) model outperforms other models with a mean area under the curve (AUC) of 0.79. We find that prior readmissions, discharge to a rehabilitation facility, length of stay, comorbidities, and frailty indicators were all strong predictors of 30-day readmission. We present in-depth insights using Shapley additive explanations (SHAP), the state of the art in machine learning explainability.

Risk Stratification Score to Predict Readmission of Patients With Acute Decompensated Cirrhosis Within 90 Days

Background and Aims: Patients with acute decompensated (AD) cirrhosis are frequently readmitted to the hospital. An accurate predictive model for identifying high-risk patients may facilitate the development of effective interventions to reduce readmission rates.

Methods: This cohort study of patients with AD cirrhosis was conducted at six tertiary hospitals in China between September 2012 and December 2016 (with 705 patients in the derivation cohort) and between January 2017 and April 2020 (with 251 patients in the temporal validation cohort). Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression was used to identify the prognostic factors and construct a nomogram. The discriminative ability, calibration, and clinical net benefit were evaluated based on the C-index, area under the curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis. Kaplan–Meier curves were constructed for stratified risk groups, and log-rank tests were used to determine significant differences between the curves.

Results: Among 956 patients, readmission rates were 24.58, 42.99, and 51.78%, at 30, 60, and 90 days, respectively. Bacterial infection was the main reason for index hospitalization and readmission. Independent factors in the nomogram included gastrointestinal bleeding [hazard rate (HR): 2.787; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.221–3.499], serum sodium (HR: 0.955; 95% CI: 0.933–0.978), total bilirubin (HR: 1.004; 95% CI: 1.003–1.005), and international normalized ratio (HR: 1.398; 95% CI: 1.126–1.734). For the convenience of clinicians, we provided a web-based calculator tool (https://cqykdx1111.shinyapps.io/dynnomapp/). The nomogram exhibited good discrimination ability, both in the derivation and validation cohorts. The predicted and observed readmission probabilities were calibrated with reliable agreement. The nomogram demonstrated superior net benefits over other score models. The high-risk group (nomogram score >56.8) was significantly likely to have higher rates of readmission than the low-risk group (nomogram score ≤ 56.8; p < 0.0001).

Conclusions: The nomogram is useful for assessing the probability of short-term readmission in patients with AD cirrhosis and to guide clinicians to develop individualized treatments based on risk stratification.

In-Hospital Outcomes of Patients with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure and Cirrhosis: An Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample

INTRODUCTION

Heart failure increases morbidity and mortality in patients admitted for cirrhosis. Our objective was to determine if patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and cirrhosis would have increased mortality, hospital length of stay (LOS), and total hospital charges compared to patients with only ADHF. There is also a paucity of data regarding the influence of gender, race, ethnicity, insurance, and cirrhosis-related complications on mortality, hospital length of stay, and total hospitalization charges. In this study, we aim to identify risk factors in a national population cohort from 2016.

METHODS

All patients above 18 years old with cirrhosis and ADHF admitted in 2016 were identified from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS). Multivariate regression analysis was used to estimate the odds ratio of in-hospital mortality, average length of stay (LOS), and total hospital charges after adjusting for the following factors: age, gender, race, Charlson and Elixhauser scores, primary insurance payer status, hospital type, hospital bed size, hospital region, and hospital teaching status. Statistical analysis was performed by using the survey procedures function in the statistical analysis system (SAS) software. Statistical significance was defined by the two-sided t-test with a p value < 0.05.

RESULTS

The overall sample contained 363,050 patients. A total of 355,455 patients were admitted with ADHF and 2% of these patients had concomitant cirrhosis (n = 7595) in 2016. The total mortality rate was 3.4%, hospital LOS was 6.6 days (with a median of 6.5 days), and the mean total hospital charge was $63,120.20. Patients with both ADHF and cirrhosis compared to patients without ADHF had increased mortality, hospital LOS, and cirrhosis-related complications.

CONCLUSIONS

As the incidence and prevalence of ADHF and cirrhosis increases worldwide, we urge the medical community to increase surveillance of patients with both diseases and perform rigorous cardiovascular risk assessments as well to improve patient outcomes.