Cirrhosis Is Associated with Increased Mortality in Patients with Diverticulitis: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on extrahepatic abdominal surgery in patients with cirrhosis and advanced chronic liver disease

Extrahepatic surgery in patients with cirrhosis of the liver represents a growing clinical challenge due to the increasing prevalence of chronic liver disease and improved long-term survival of these patients. The presence of cirrhosis significantly increases the risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality following abdominal surgery. Advances in preoperative risk stratification, surgical techniques, and perioperative care have led to better outcomes, yet integration of these improvements into routine clinical practice is needed. These clinical practice guidelines provide comprehensive recommendations for the assessment and perioperative management of patients with cirrhosis undergoing extrahepatic surgery. An individualised patient-centred risk assessment by a multidisciplinary team including hepatologists, surgeons, anaesthesiologists, and other support teams is essential.

Outcomes of Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients With Cirrhosis: A National Analysis

GOALS

We sought to evaluate hospital outcomes of cirrhosis patients with nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB).

BACKGROUND

NVUGIB is common in patients with cirrhosis. However, national outcome studies of these patients are lacking.

STUDY

We utilized the 2014 Nationwide Readmission Database to evaluate NVUGIB in patients with cirrhosis, further stratified as no cirrhosis (NC), compensated cirrhosis (CC), or decompensated cirrhosis (DC). Validated International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes captured diagnoses and interventions. Outcomes included 30-day readmission rates, index admission mortality rates, health care utilization, and predictors of readmission and mortality using multivariable regression analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, 13,701 patients with cirrhosis were admitted with NVUGIB. The 30-day readmission rate was 20.8%. Patients with CC were more likely to undergo an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) within 1 calendar day of admission (74.1%) than patients with DC (67.9%) or NC (69.4%). Patients with DC had longer hospitalizations (4.1 d) and higher costs of care ($11,834). The index admission mortality rate was higher in patients with DC (6.2%) than in patients with CC (1.7%, P <0.001) or NC (1.4%, P <0.001). Predictors of 30-day readmission included performing an EGD >1 calendar day from admission (OR: 1.21; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.46) and DC (OR: 1.78; 95% CI, 1.54 to 2.06). DC was a predictor of index admission mortality (OR: 3.68; 95% CI, 2.67 to 5.05).

CONCLUSIONS

NVUGIB among patients with DC is associated with higher readmission rates, mortality rates, and health care utilization compared with patients with CC and NC. Early EGD is a modifiable variable associated with reduced readmission rates. Early identification of high-risk patients and adherence to guidelines may improve clinical outcomes.

The Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Diverticulitis Outcomes and Risk of Recurrent Hospitalizations in Adults with Clinically Severe Obesity

PURPOSE

Clinically severe obesity (SO) is a known risk factor for worsened outcomes and recurrence of acute diverticulitis. Paucity of data exist on outcomes of diverticulitis after bariatric surgery.

METHODS

The Nationwide Readmissions Database was queried for diverticulitis hospitalizations between the years 2010 and 2014. We restricted analysis to patients with SO and those who had bariatric surgery (BRS). Outcomes of mortality, surgical events, and recurrent diverticulitis admissions were compared using multivariable analysis and one-to-one propensity score matching.

RESULTS

Among 52,274 diverticulitis admissions, 91.2% (47,694) patients had SO and 8.8% (4580) had prior BRS. Patients with SO had higher odds of suffering mortality on index diverticulitis admission when compared to those with prior BRS [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 10.55; 95%CI 1.45,76.75]. Patients with SO were also more likely to undergo emergency surgery (aOR: 1.71; 95%CI 1.25,2.34) and colectomy (aOR: 1.45; 95%CI 1.26,1.68). Rates of recurrent diverticulitis readmissions within 30 days and 6 months were also higher in patients with SO compared to BRS patients (aOR: 7.94; 95%CI 1.09,57.83 and aOR: 1.98; 95%CI 1.14,3.43, respectively). Propensity score matching confirmed our findings of increased rates of mortality (OR: 17.28; 95%CI 2.02,147.6), recurrent diverticulitis, and worsened surgical outcomes within 30 days in patients with SO compared to BRS.

CONCLUSION

This study is first to show improved outcomes and less recurrent hospitalizations for diverticulitis after bariatric surgery compared to patients with clinically severe obesity. Further studies are needed to understand mechanisms leading to this improvement and the role of weight loss in prevention of severe diverticulitis.

Diverticulitis in Morbidly Obese Adults: A Rise in Hospitalizations with Worse Outcomes According to National US Data

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Obesity is a known risk factor for diverticulitis. Our objective was to examine the less investigated impact of morbid obesity (MO) on admissions and clinical course of diverticulitis in a US representative database.

METHODS

We retrospectively queried the 2010-2014 Nationwide Readmission Database to compare diverticulitis hospitalizations in 48,651 MO and 841,381 non-obese patients. Outcomes of mortality, clinical course, surgical events, and readmissions were compared using multivariable and propensity-score-matched analyses.

RESULTS

The number of MO patients admitted with diverticulitis increased annually from 7570 in 2010 to 11,935 in 2014, while the total number of patients admitted with diverticulitis decreased (p = 0.003). Multivariable analysis demonstrates that MO was associated with increased mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.54; 95% confidence internal [CI]: 1.16, 2.05), intensive care admissions (aOR = 1.92; 95% CI: 1.61, 2.31), emergent surgery (aOR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.30), colectomy (aOR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.18), open laparotomy (aOR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.21, 1.34), and colostomy (aOR = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.25, 1.43). Additionally, MO was associated with higher risk for multiple readmissions for diverticulitis within 30 days (aOR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.96) and 6 months (aOR = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.42). A one-to-one matched propensity-score analysis confirmed our multivariable analysis findings.

CONCLUSIONS

Analysis of national data demonstrates an increasing trend of MO patients' admissions for diverticulitis, with a presentation at a younger age. Furthermore, MO is associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes and readmissions of diverticulitis. Future strategies are needed to ameliorate these outcomes.

Acute Colonic Diverticulitis and Cirrhosis: Outcomes of Laparoscopic Colectomy Compared with an Open Approach

BACKGROUND

The impact of cirrhosis on outcomes of acute colonic diverticulitis (ACD) has been studied infrequently. We investigated the effect of cirrhosis on outcomes of surgical patients with ACD treated by either an open or laparoscopic approach.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample 2012 to 2014. Patients with ACD were stratified into compensated and decompensated cirrhosis for comparisons of demographic characteristics, hospital length of stay, complications, mortality, and cost. Groups were stratified according to surgical treatment: open colectomy and laparoscopic colectomy. A comparative effectiveness analysis of outcomes was performed between the 2 surgical treatments. Univariate comparisons between groups and multivariate regression analysis were performed to identify risk factors for mortality and specific complications.

RESULTS

Of 1,172,875 patients hospitalized with the diagnosis of ACD during the study period, 1,145 were cirrhotic. The majority were male (59%). There were 660 compensated cirrhotic patients and 485 decompensated cirrhotic patients and all underwent either open (n = 875) or laparoscopic colectomy (n = 270). Consistently, marked increases in mortality, hospital length of stay, and cost were observed in decompensated cirrhotic patients regardless of the type of treatment. Laparoscopic colectomy was accompanied by shorter hospital length of stay, lower costs, and significantly decreased mortality rate compared with open colectomy in compensated and decompensated cirrhotic patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of cirrhosis markedly impacts outcomes in patients with ACD, leading to prolonged hospitalization, higher cost, and increased complications and deaths. Laparoscopic colectomy is associated with better outcomes in patients requiring surgical management, including those with decompensated cirrhosis.

Index admission cholecystectomy for acute biliary pancreatitis favorably impacts outcomes of hospitalization in cirrhosis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Despite higher rates of gallstones in patients with cirrhosis, there are no population-based studies evaluating outcomes of acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP). Therefore, we sought to evaluate the predictors of early readmission and mortality in this high-risk population.

METHODS

We utilized the Nationwide Readmission Database (2011-2014) to evaluate all adults admitted with ABP. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess independent predictors for 30-day readmission, index admission mortality, and calendar year mortality.

RESULTS

Among 184 611 index admissions with ABP, 4344 (2.4%) subjects had cirrhosis (1649 with decompensation). Subjects with cirrhosis, when compared with those without, incurred higher rates of 30-day readmission (20.9% vs 11.2%; P < 0.001), index mortality (2.0% vs 1.0%; P < 0.001), and calendar year mortality (4.2% vs 0.9%; P < 0.001). Decompensation in cirrhosis was associated with significantly fewer cholecystectomies (26.7% vs 60.2%; P < 0.001) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies (23.3% vs 29.9%; P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that severe acute pancreatitis (odds ratio [OR]: 14.8; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.3, 41.2), sepsis (OR: 12.6; 95% CI: 5.8, 27.4), and decompensation (OR: 3.1; 96% CI: 1.4, 6.6) were associated with increased index admission mortality. Decompensated cirrhosis (OR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.1, 3.0) and 30-day readmission (OR: 5.6; 95% CI: 3.3, 9.5) were predictors of calendar year mortality. However, index admission cholecystectomy was associated with decreased 30-day readmissions (OR: 0.6; 95% CI: 0.4, 0.7) and calendar year mortality (OR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.25, 0.78).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of cirrhosis adversely impacts hospital outcomes of patients with ABP. Among modifiable factors, index admission cholecystectomy portends favorable prognosis by reducing risk of early readmission and consequent calendar year mortality.

Early Readmission Predicts Increased Mortality in Cirrhosis Patients After Clostridium difficile Infection

GOALS

We sought to determine the impact of Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) in cirrhosis by evaluating trends and outcomes of early readmission and mortality.

BACKGROUND

The incidence of CDI in cirrhotics is increasing.

STUDY

We analyzed the Nationwide Readmissions Database (2011 to 2014) for hospitalized patients with CDI and differentiated them by presence of cirrhosis. Baseline characteristics, surgical rates, and outcomes were collected. The primary outcomes of interest included readmission and mortality rates.

RESULTS

Of 366,283 patients hospitalized with CDI, 12,274 (3.4%) had cirrhosis, of which 7741 (63.1%) were decompensated. Among patients with CDI, 30-day readmission rates (33% vs. 24%), index admission mortality (5% vs. 2.5%), and calendar-year mortality (9% vs. 4%) were higher in patients with cirrhosis compared with those without cirrhosis. Recurrent CDI (rCDI) (46%) and cirrhosis-related complications (34.6%) were the most common reasons for readmission. Patients with decompensated cirrhosis were more likely to be readmitted within 30-days than those with compensated cirrhosis [odds ratio (OR), 1.19; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03-1.36]. Multivariable analyses revealed that among patients with cirrhosis, index colectomy (OR, 6.50; 95% CI, 1.61-26.24) and decompensation (OR, 3.61; 95% CI, 2.49-5.23) predicted index admission mortality. In addition, 30-day readmission (OR, 3.71; 95% CI, 2.95-4.67) and decompensated cirrhosis (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.17-1.89) independently predicted calendar-year mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

One-third of CDI patients with cirrhosis were readmitted within 30-days, most commonly because of rCDI. The mortality associated with CDI in patients with cirrhosis is high, with decompensation and 30-day readmission heralding a poor prognosis. Reducing rCDI-related readmissions may potentially improve these outcomes.

Validation of Risk Score in Predicting Early Readmissions in Decompensated Cirrhotic Patients: A Model Based on the Administrative Database

Early readmission in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis leads to an enormous burden on health care use. A retrospective cohort study using the 2013 and 2014 Nationwide Readmission Database (NRD) was conducted. Patients with a diagnoses of cirrhosis and at least one feature of decompensation were included. The primary outcome was to develop a validated risk model for early readmission. Secondary outcomes were to study the 30-day all-cause readmission rate and the most common reasons for readmission. A multivariable logistic regression model was fit to identify predictors of readmissions. Finally, a risk model, the Mumtaz readmission risk score, was developed for prediction of 30-day readmission based on the 2013 NRD and validated on the 2014 NRD. A total of 123,011 patients were included. The 30-day readmission rate was 27%, with 79.6% of patients readmitted with liver-related diagnoses. Age <65 years; Medicare or Medicaid insurance; nonalcoholic etiology of cirrhosis; ≥3 Elixhauser score; presence of hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, variceal bleeding, hepatocellular carcinoma, paracentesis, or hemodialysis; and discharge against medical advice were independent predictors of 30-day readmission. This validated model enabled patients with decompensated cirrhosis to be stratified into groups with low (<20%), medium, (20%-30%), and high (>30%) risk of 30-day readmissions. Conclusion: One third of patients with decompensated cirrhosis are readmitted within 30 days of discharge. The use of a simple risk scoring model with high generalizability, based on demographics, clinical features, and interventions, can bring refinement to the prediction of 30-day readmission in high-risk patients; the Mumtaz readmission risk score highlights the need for targeted interventions in order to decrease rates of readmission within this population.

A validated risk model for prediction of early readmission in patients with hepatic encephalopathy

INTRODUCTION AND AIM

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common complication in cirrhotics and is associated with an increased healthcare burden. Our aim was to study independent predictors of 30-day readmission and develop a readmission risk model in patients with HE. Secondary aims included studying readmission rates, cost, and the impact of readmission on mortality.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We utilized the 2013 Nationwide Readmission Database (NRD) for hospitalized patients with HE. A risk assessment model based on index hospitalization variables for predicting 30-day readmission was developed using multivariate logistic regression and validated with the 2014 NRD. Patients were stratified into Low Risk and High Risk groups. Cox regression models were fit to identify predictors of calendar-year mortality.

RESULTS

Of 24,473 cirrhosis patients hospitalized with HE, 32.4% were readmitted within 30 days. Predictors of readmission included presence of ascites (OR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.06-1.33), receiving paracentesis (OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.26-1.62) and acute kidney injury (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.00-1.22). Our validated model stratified patients into Low Risk and High Risk of 30-day readmissions (29% and 40%, respectively). The cost of the first readmission was higher than index admission in the 30-day readmission cohort ($14,198 vs. $10,386; p-value <0.001). Thirty-day readmission was the strongest predictor of calendar-year mortality (HR: 4.03; 95% CI: 3.49-4.65).

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly one-third of patients with HE were readmitted within 30 days, and early readmission adversely impacted healthcare utilization and calendar-year mortality. With our proposed simple risk assessment model, patients at high risk for early readmissions can be identified to potentially avert poor outcomes.

Reduced Incidence and Better Liver Disease Outcomes among Chronic HCV Infected Patients Who Consume Cannabis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The effect of cannabis use on chronic liver disease (CLD) from Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection, the most common cause of CLD, has been controversial. Here, we investigated the impact of cannabis use on the prevalence of CLD among HCV infected individuals.

METHODS

We analyzed hospital discharge records of adults (age ≥ 18 years) with a positive HCV diagnosis. We evaluated records from 2007 to 2014 of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS). We excluded records with other causes of chronic liver diseases (alcohol, hemochromatosis, NAFLD, PBC, HBV, etc.). Of the 188,333 records, we matched cannabis users to nonusers on 1:1 ratio (4,728:4,728), using a propensity-based matching system, with a stringent algorithm. We then used conditional regression models with generalized estimating equations to measure the adjusted prevalence rate ratio (aPRR) for having liver cirrhosis (and its complications), carcinoma, mortality, discharge disposition, and the adjusted mean ratio (aMR) of total hospital cost and length of stay (LOS) [SAS 9.4].

RESULTS

Our study revealed that cannabis users (CUs) had decreased prevalence of liver cirrhosis (aPRR: 0.81[0.72-0.91]), unfavorable discharge disposition (0.87[0.78-0.96]), and lower total health care cost ($39,642[36,220-43,387] versus $45,566[$42,244-$49,150]), compared to noncannabis users (NCUs). However, there was no difference among CUs and NCUs on the incidence of liver carcinoma (0.79[0.55-1.13]), in-hospital mortality (0.84[0.60-1.17]), and LOS (5.58[5.10-6.09] versus 5.66[5.25-6.01]). Among CUs, dependent cannabis use was associated with lower prevalence of liver cirrhosis, compared to nondependent use (0.62[0.41-0.93]).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that cannabis use is associated with decreased incidence of liver cirrhosis, but no change in mortality nor LOS among HCV patients. These novel observations warrant further molecular mechanistic studies.