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Wong RJ, Gagnon-Sanschagrin P, Heimanson Z, Maitland J, Bellefleur R, Guérin A, Samson A, Olujohungbe O, Bumpass B. Real-World Trends and Future Projections of the Prevalence of Cirrhosis and Hepatic Encephalopathy Among Commercially and Medicare-Insured Adults in the United States. Clin Transl Gastroenterol 2025; 16:e00823. [PMID: 39835684 PMCID: PMC12101919 DOI: 10.14309/ctg.0000000000000823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2025] [Indexed: 01/22/2025] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Describing cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy (HE) burden over time can inform clinical management and resource allocation. Using healthcare claims data, this observational study examined recent trends in the prevalence of cirrhosis and HE and associated healthcare resource utilization among commercially and Medicare-insured adults in the United States. METHODS Data from the MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters Database and 100% Medicare Research Identifiable Files were analyzed (2007-2020). Annual prevalence of cirrhosis, HE, overt HE (OHE) hospitalizations, and rifaximin ± lactulose use, and costs per hospitalization per year were calculated. Average year-over-year changes in prevalence of cirrhosis, and HE were estimated. Trends were extrapolated to 2030 using ordinary least-squares regression. RESULTS From 2007 to 2020, the prevalence of cirrhosis increased by an average of 4.6% year-over-year in the Commercial population and 8.1% in the Medicare population; the prevalence of HE increased by 4.3% and 2.5%, respectively. Rates of OHE hospitalizations decreased from 27.5% to 5.5% (Commercial) and from 26.2% to 9.5% (Medicare), and rates of liver transplantation increased. Average payer costs (Commercial) and provider charges (Medicare) per OHE hospitalization increased (from $40,881 to $77,699 and from $45,913 to $74,894, respectively). Use of rifaximin ± lactulose showed an increasing trend during the observation period, whereas lactulose use declined steadily. DISCUSSION The healthcare burden of cirrhosis and HE in the United States is increasing. Trends are projected to continue unless action is taken, such as improving medication access and developing policies addressing the contributing factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J. Wong
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Section, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
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Montrose JA, Desai A, Nephew L, Patidar KR, Ghabril MS, Campbell NL, Chalasani N, Qiu Y, Hays ME, Orman ES. Medication burden and anticholinergic use are associated with overt HE in individuals with cirrhosis. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0460. [PMID: 39037388 PMCID: PMC11265776 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polypharmacy and anticholinergic medications are associated with cognitive decline in elderly populations. Although several medications have been associated with HE, associations between medication burden, anticholinergics, and HE have not been explored. We examined medication burden and anticholinergics in patients with cirrhosis and their associations with HE-related hospitalization. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients aged 18-80 with cirrhosis seen in hepatology clinics during 2019. The number of chronic medications (medication burden) and anticholinergic use were recorded. The primary outcome was HE-related hospitalization. RESULTS A total of 1039 patients were followed for a median of 840 days. Thirty-seven percent had a history of HE, and 9.8% had an HE-related hospitalization during follow-up. The mean number of chronic medications was 6.1 ± 4.3. Increasing medication burden was associated with HE-related hospitalizations in univariable (HR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.05-1.12) and multivariable (HR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.03-1.11) models. This relationship was maintained in those with baseline HE but not in those without baseline HE. Twenty-one percent were taking an anticholinergic medication. Anticholinergic exposure was associated with increased HE-related hospitalizations in both univariable (HR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.09-2.57) and multivariable (HR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.11-2.63) models. This relationship was maintained in those with baseline HE but not in those without baseline HE. CONCLUSIONS Anticholinergic use and medication burden are both associated with HE-related hospitalizations, particularly in those with a history of HE. Special considerations to limit anticholinergics and minimize overall medication burden should be tested for potential benefit in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan A. Montrose
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Archita Desai
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Lauren Nephew
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Kavish R. Patidar
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Marwan S. Ghabril
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Noll L. Campbell
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Purdue University College of Pharmacy, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Naga Chalasani
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Yingjie Qiu
- Department of Biostatistics & Health Data Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Matthew E. Hays
- Department of Biostatistics & Health Data Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Eric S. Orman
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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Lee EW, Liang JJ, McNamara GP. Interventional Radiology Management of Hepatic Encephalopathy. Clin Liver Dis 2024; 28:317-329. [PMID: 38548442 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2024.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a clinically severe and devastating complication of decompensated liver disease affecting mortality, quality of life for patients and families, hospital admission rates, and overall health-care costs globally. Depending on the cause of HE, several medical treatment options have been developed and become available. In some refractory HE, such as spontaneous portosystemic shunt-related HE (SPSS-HE) or posttransjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt HE (post-TIPS HE), advanced interventional radiology (IR) procedures have been used, and shown to be effective in these conditions. This review presents 2 effective IR procedures for managing SPSS-HE and post-TIPS HE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Wolfgang Lee
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, UCLA Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Division of Liver and Pancreas Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, UCLA Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Justine J Liang
- Department of Anesthesiology, UCLA Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Griffin P McNamara
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, UCLA Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Wang Y, Huang Y, Antwi SO, Taner CB, Yang L. Racial Disparities in Liver Disease Mortality Trends Among Black and White Populations in the United States, 1999-2020: An Analysis of CDC WONDER Database. Am J Gastroenterol 2024; 119:682-689. [PMID: 37830524 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Liver disease is a significant public health problem in the United States, with notable racial disparities in mortality. This study examines liver disease mortality trends among Black and White populations during 1999-2020. METHODS We used CDC WONDER database to ascertain liver disease age-standardized mortality rates in Black and White Americans. Annual percent change was calculated. Age-standardized absolute rate difference and rate ratios were computed by subtracting and dividing the White population's rate from that of the Black population. RESULTS Liver diseases accounted for 171,627 Black and 1,314,903 White deaths during 1999-2020. Age-standardized mortality rates for Blacks decreased from 22.5 to 20.1 per 100,000 person-years (annual percentage change -0.4%, -0.6% to -0.2%), whereas an increase was observed for Whites, from 17.9 to 25.3 per 100,000 person-years (annual percentage change 1.4%, 1.4% to 1.7%). The rate ratio decreased from 1.26 (1.22-1.29) in 1999 to 0.79 (0.78-0.81) in 2020. This pattern was evident in all census regions, more pronounced among the younger (age 25-64 years) than older (age 65+ years) population and observed across different urbanization levels. The pattern may be attributable to increasing alcohol-related liver disease and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease-related deaths in Whites and tapering in viral hepatitis and primary liver cancer-related deaths in Blacks. Despite notable improvement, racial disparities persist in primary liver cancer and viral hepatitis among the Black population. DISCUSSION The rise in alcohol-related liver disease and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease-related deaths among Whites, and enduring liver cancer and viral hepatitis disparities in the Black population, underscores the urgent need for tailored public health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichen Wang
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yuting Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Samuel O Antwi
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - C Burcin Taner
- Department of Transplantation, Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Transplantation, Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
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Pusateri A, Litzenberg K, Griffiths C, Hayes C, Gnyawali B, Manious M, Kelly SG, Conteh LF, Jalil S, Nagaraja HN, Mumtaz K. Randomized intervention and outpatient follow-up lowers 30-d readmissions for patients with hepatic encephalopathy, decompensated cirrhosis. World J Hepatol 2023; 15:826-840. [PMID: 37397939 PMCID: PMC10308285 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v15.i6.826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We previously reported national 30-d readmission rates of 27% in patients with decompensated cirrhosis (DC).
AIM To study prospective interventions to reduce early readmissions in DC at our tertiary center.
METHODS Adults with DC admitted July 2019 to December 2020 were enrolled and randomized into the intervention (INT) or standard of care (SOC) arms. Weekly phone calls for a month were completed. In the INT arm, case managers ensured outpatient follow-up, paracentesis, and medication compliance. Thirty-day readmission rates and reasons were compared.
RESULTS Calculated sample size was not achieved due to coronavirus disease 2019; 240 patients were randomized into INT and SOC arms. 30-d readmission rate was 33.75%, 35.83% in the INT vs 31.67% in the SOC arm (P = 0.59). The top reason for 30-d readmission was hepatic encephalopathy (HE, 32.10%). There was a lower rate of 30-d readmissions for HE in the INT (21%) vs SOC arm (45%, P = 0.03). There were fewer 30-d readmissions in patients who attended early outpatient follow-up (n = 17, 23.61% vs n = 55, 76.39%, P = 0.04).
CONCLUSION Our 30-d readmission rate was higher than the national rate but reduced by interventions in patients with DC with HE and early outpatient follow-up. Development of interventions to reduce early readmission in patients with DC is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoinette Pusateri
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Kevin Litzenberg
- Division of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Claire Griffiths
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Caitlin Hayes
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Bipul Gnyawali
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Michelle Manious
- Division of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Sean G Kelly
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Lanla F Conteh
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Sajid Jalil
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Haikady N Nagaraja
- Division of Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Khalid Mumtaz
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
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Rosenstengle C, Kripalani S, Rahimi RS. Hepatic encephalopathy and strategies to prevent readmission from inadequate transitions of care. J Hosp Med 2022; 17 Suppl 1:S17-S23. [PMID: 35972038 DOI: 10.1002/jhm.12896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
One of the most costly and frequent causes of hospital readmissions in the United States is hepatic encephalopathy in patients with underlying liver cirrhosis. In this narrative review, we cover current practices in inpatient management, transitions of care, and strategies to prevent hospital readmissions. Bundled approaches using a model such as the "Ideal Transitions of Care" appear to be more likely to prevent readmissions and assist patients as they transition to outpatient care. Numerous strategies have been evaluated to prevent readmissions in patients with hepatic encephalopathy, including technologic interventions, involvement of nonphysician team members, early follow-up strategies, and involvement of palliative care when appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Rosenstengle
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Sunil Kripalani
- Section of Hospital Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Public Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Robert S Rahimi
- Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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Shaw J, Beyers L, Bajaj JS. Inadequate practices for hepatic encephalopathy management in the inpatient setting. J Hosp Med 2022; 17 Suppl 1:S8-S16. [PMID: 35972037 PMCID: PMC9542542 DOI: 10.1002/jhm.12897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is an important complication of decompensated liver disease. Hospital admission for episodes of HE are very common, with these patients being managed by the hospitalists. These admissions are costly and burdensome to the health-care system. Diagnosis of HE at times is not straightforward, particularly in patients who are altered and unable to provide any history. Precipitants leading to episodes of HE, should be actively sought and effectively tackled along with the overall management. This mandates timely diagnostics, appropriate initiation of pharmacological treatment, and supportive care. Infections are the most important precipitants leading to HE and should be aggressively managed. Lactulose is the front-line medication for primary treatment of HE episodes and for prevention of subsequent recurrence. However, careful titration in the hospital setting along with the appropriate route of administration should be established and supervised by the hospitalist. Rifaximin has established its role as an add-on medication, in those cases where lactulose alone is not working. Overall effective management of HE calls for attention to guideline-directed nutritional requirements, functional assessment, medication reconciliation, patient education/counseling, and proper discharge planning. This will potentially help to reduce readmissions, which are all too common for HE patients. Early specialty consultation may be warranted in certain conditions. Numerous challenges exist to optimal care of hospitalized OHE patients. However, hospitalists if equipped with knowledge about a systematic approach to taking care of these frail patients are in an ideal position to ensure good inpatient and transition of care outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jawaid Shaw
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hospital MedicineVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVirginiaUSA
| | - Lisa Beyers
- Department of Internal Medicine, Strong Memorial HospitalUniversity of RochesterRochesterNew YorkUSA
| | - Jasmohan S. Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and NutritionVirginia Commonwealth University and Central Virginia Veterans Healthcare SystemRichmondVirginiaUSA
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Hepatic Encephalopathy-Related Hospitalizations in Cirrhosis: Transition of Care and Closing the Revolving Door. Dig Dis Sci 2022; 67:1994-2004. [PMID: 34169435 PMCID: PMC9167177 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-021-07075-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Cirrhosis is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Development of complications of cirrhosis, including hepatic encephalopathy (HE), portends poorer outcomes. HE is associated with hospital readmission, impaired patient and caregiver quality of life, risk of falls, and mortality. Guidelines recommend lactulose as first-line therapy for HE and rifaximin in combination with lactulose for reducing the risk of HE recurrence. Improving post-discharge outcomes, including readmissions, is an important aspect in the management of patients with HE. Approaches focused on improving management and prevention of HE, including properly titrating lactulose dosing, overcoming medication-related nonadherence, and incorporating rifaximin as therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence, as well as incorporating supportive care initiatives, may ease the transition from hospital to home. Strategies to decrease readmission rates include using hospital navigators, who can offer patient/caregiver education, post-discharge planning, and medication review; and involving pharmacists in post-discharge planning. Similarly, telemedicine offers providers the opportunity to monitor patients with HE remotely and improves outcomes. Providers offering transitional care management may be reimbursed when establishing contact with patients within 2 days post-discharge and conducting an outpatient visit within 7 days or 14 days. Several approaches have been shown to improve outcomes broadly in patients post-discharge and may also be effective for improving outcomes specifically in patients hospitalized with cirrhosis and HE, thus closing the revolving door on rehospitalizations in this population.
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Rahimi RS, Brown KA, Flamm SL, Brown RS. Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy: Current Pharmacologic Treatments and Improving Clinical Outcomes. Am J Med 2021; 134:1330-1338. [PMID: 34242619 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2021.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Overt hepatic encephalopathy is a generally reversible neurologic complication of cirrhosis. Overt hepatic encephalopathy has been associated with poor hospitalization- and mortality-related outcomes, which is important given increasing hepatic encephalopathy-related hospitalizations over time. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview of hospital- and mortality-related outcomes in patients with overt hepatic encephalopathy and the pharmacologic therapies that may improve these outcomes. Guideline-recommended prophylaxis with lactulose (first-line therapy) or secondary prophylaxis with rifaximin plus lactulose decreases hospital admissions and mortality rates. Rifaximin or lactulose treatment was beneficial for reducing the hospitalization rate in patients with hepatic encephalopathy compared with no treatment. Further, retrospective studies have shown that rifaximin with or without lactulose was effective for decreasing the number of hepatic encephalopathy episodes, hepatic encephalopathy-related hospitalizations, and duration of hospitalization. Ornithine phenylacetate, an ammonia-reducing agent currently in development, is also being investigated in hospitalized patients with hepatic encephalopathy. Overall, data support that prophylaxis for the prevention of hepatic encephalopathy recurrence improves outcomes in patients with cirrhosis and a history of hepatic encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S Rahimi
- Baylor Scott and White Hospital, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Tex.
| | - Kimberly A Brown
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Mich
| | - Steven L Flamm
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill
| | - Robert S Brown
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Center for Liver Disease, New York, NY
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