1
|
Tapper EB, Serper M, Goldberg D. Implementing pragmatic clinical trials in hepatology. Hepatology 2024; 79:704-712. [PMID: 36825597 PMCID: PMC10460456 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000345] [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: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Patients with chronic liver disease would benefit from pragmatic trial designs. A pragmatic trial seeks to inform clinical decision-making by providing evidence for the adoption of an intervention into real-world clinical practice. A trial's pragmatism is based on the efficiency by which it identifies, recruits, and follows patients, the degree to which the interventions and design mirror the usual clinical care, and the importance of the outcomes to the patients. We review the promise, trade-offs, and purpose of pragmatic trials in hepatology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elliot B. Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan
| | - Marina Serper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
| | - David Goldberg
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ladner DP, Gmeiner M, Hasjim BJ, Mazumder N, Kang R, Parker E, Stephen J, Polineni P, Chorniy A, Zhao L, VanWagner LB, Ackermann RT, Manski CF. Increasing prevalence of cirrhosis among insured adults in the United States, 2012-2018. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298887. [PMID: 38408083 PMCID: PMC10896513 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver cirrhosis is a chronic disease that is known as a "silent killer" and its true prevalence is difficult to describe. It is imperative to accurately characterize the prevalence of cirrhosis because of its increasing healthcare burden. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, trends in cirrhosis prevalence were evaluated using administrative data from one of the largest national health insurance providers in the US. (2011-2018). Enrolled adult (≥18-years-old) patients with cirrhosis defined by ICD-9 and ICD-10 were included in the study. The primary outcome measured in the study was the prevalence of cirrhosis 2011-2018. RESULTS Among the 371,482 patients with cirrhosis, the mean age was 62.2 (±13.7) years; 53.3% had commercial insurance and 46.4% had Medicare Advantage. The most frequent cirrhosis etiologies were alcohol-related (26.0%), NASH (20.9%) and HCV (20.0%). Mean time of follow-up was 725 (±732.3) days. The observed cirrhosis prevalence was 0.71% in 2018, a 2-fold increase from 2012 (0.34%). The highest prevalence observed was among patients with Medicare Advantage insurance (1.67%) in 2018. Prevalence increased in each US. state, with Southern states having the most rapid rise (2.3-fold). The most significant increases were observed in patients with NASH (3.9-fold) and alcohol-related (2-fold) cirrhosis. CONCLUSION Between 2012-2018, the prevalence of liver cirrhosis doubled among insured patients. Alcohol-related and NASH cirrhosis were the most significant contributors to this increase. Patients living in the South, and those insured by Medicare Advantage also have disproportionately higher prevalence of cirrhosis. Public health interventions are important to mitigate this concerning trajectory of strain to the health system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela P. Ladner
- Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Division of Organ Transplantation, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Michael Gmeiner
- Department of Economics, London School of Economics, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bima J. Hasjim
- Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Nikhilesh Mazumder
- Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Raymond Kang
- Institute for Public Health and Medicine (IPHAM), Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | | | - John Stephen
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Praneet Polineni
- Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Anna Chorniy
- Department of Medical Social Sciences and Buehler Center for Health Policy and Economics, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Lihui Zhao
- Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Lisa B. VanWagner
- Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States of America
| | - Ronald T. Ackermann
- Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
- Institute for Public Health and Medicine (IPHAM), Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Charles F. Manski
- Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
- Department of Economics and Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Elhence H, Dodge JL, Lee BP. Association of Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibition With Liver-Related Events and Mortality in Compensated Cirrhosis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 22:315-323.e17. [PMID: 37495200 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS While renin-angiotensin system inhibition lowers the hepatic venous gradient, the effect on more clinically meaningful endpoints is less studied. We aimed to quantify the relationship between renin-angiotensin system inhibition and liver-related events (LREs) among adults with compensated cirrhosis. METHODS In this national cohort study using the Optum database, we quantified the association between angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB) use and LREs (hepatocellular carcinoma, liver transplantation, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, or variceal bleeding) among patients with cirrhosis between 2009 and 2019. Selective beta-blocker (SBB) users served as the comparator group. We used demographic and clinical features to calculate inverse-probability treatment weighting-weighted cumulative incidences, absolute risk differences, and Cox proportional hazard ratios. RESULTS Among 4214 adults with cirrhosis, 3155 were ACE inhibitor/ARB users and 1059 were SBB users. In inverse probability treatment weighting-weighted analyses, ACE inhibitor/ARB (vs SBB) users had lower 5-year cumulative incidence (30.6% [95% confidence interval (CI), 27.8% to 33.2%] vs 41.3% [95% CI, 34.0% to 47.7%]; absolute risk difference, -10.7% [95% CI, -18.1% to -3.6%]) and lower risk of LREs (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.69; 95% CI, 0.60 to 0.80). There was a dose-response relationship: compared with SBB use, ACE inhibitor/ARB prescriptions ≥1 defined daily dose (aHR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.56 to 0.76) were associated with a greater risk reduction compared with <1 defined daily dose (aHR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.71 to 1.07). Results were robust across sensitivity analyses such as comparing ACE inhibitor/ARB users with nonusers and as-treated analysis. CONCLUSIONS In this national cohort study, ACE inhibitor/ARB use was associated with significantly lower risk of LREs in patients with compensated cirrhosis. These results provide support for a randomized clinical trial to confirm clinical benefit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hirsh Elhence
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jennifer L Dodge
- Department of Population Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Brian P Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ozturk NB, Jamil LH, Tapper EB. Diagnostic Performance of the ICD-10 Code K76.82 for Hepatic Encephalopathy in Patients With Cirrhosis. Am J Gastroenterol 2024; 119:364-366. [PMID: 37830544 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002560] [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: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is prevalent and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality among patients with cirrhosis. On October 1, 2022, a new, specific International Classification of Diseases-10 code for HE, K76.82, was introduced. We aimed to analyze the diagnostic accuracy of K76.82. METHODS Diagnostic performance of K76.82 for HE (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive ratio, and negative predictive ratio) was evaluated in 2 large health systems compared with lactulose, rifaximin, and K72.90. RESULTS A total of 2,483 patients were analyzed. The combination term "lactulose or rifaximin" showed the highest sensitivity of >98% while K76.82 demonstrated a specificity of >87% in all cohorts. DISCUSSION Although K76.82 is promising, the combination term "lactulose or rifaximin" identified patients with HE more accurately.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nazli Begum Ozturk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA
| | - Laith H Jamil
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA
- Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, Michigan, USA
| | - Elliot B Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Faisal N, Lix LM, Walld R, Singer A, Renner E, Singh H, Kosowan L, Mahar A. Identifying patients with diagnosed cirrhosis in administrative health databases: a validation study. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2024; 7:16-27. [PMID: 38505786 PMCID: PMC10946181 DOI: 10.3138/canlivj-2023-0013] [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] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Objectives Case ascertainment algorithms were developed and validated to identify people living with cirrhosis in administrative health data in Manitoba, Canada using primary care electronic medical records (EMR) to define the reference standards. Methods We linked provincial administrative health data to primary care EMR data. The validation cohort included 116,675 Manitobans aged >18 years with at least one primary care visit between April 1998 and March 2015. Hospital records, physician billing claims, vital statistics, and prescription drug data were used to develop and test 93 case-finding algorithms. A validated case definition for primary care EMR data was the reference standard. We estimated sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV), Youden's index, area under the receiver operative curve, and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results A total of 116,675 people were in the validation cohort. The prevalence of cirrhosis was 1.4% (n = 1593). Algorithm sensitivity estimates ranged from 32.5% (95% CI 32.2-32.8) to 68.3% (95% CI 68.0-68.9) and PPV from 17.4% (95% CI 17.1-17.6) to 23.4% (95% CI 23.1-23.6). Specificity (95.5-98.2) and NPV (approximately 99%) were high for all algorithms. The algorithms had slightly higher sensitivity estimates among men compared with women, and individuals aged ≥45 years compared to those aged 18-44 years. Conclusion Cirrhosis algorithms applied to administrative health data had moderate validity when a validated case definition for primary care EMRs was the reference standard. This study provides algorithms for identifying diagnosed cirrhosis cases for population-based research and surveillance studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nabiha Faisal
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Manitoba Centre of Health Policy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Lisa M Lix
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Manitoba Centre of Health Policy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Randy Walld
- Manitoba Centre of Health Policy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Alexander Singer
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Eberhard Renner
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Harminder Singh
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Leanne Kosowan
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Alyson Mahar
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Manitoba Centre of Health Policy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- School of Nursing, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Regional variations in inpatient decompensated cirrhosis mortality may be associated with access to specialist care: results from a multicentre retrospective study. Frontline Gastroenterol 2024; 15:3-13. [PMID: 38487559 PMCID: PMC10935520 DOI: 10.1136/flgastro-2023-102412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Specialist centres have been developed to deliver high-quality Hepatology care. However, there is geographical inequity in accessing these centres in the United Kingdom (UK). We aimed to assess the impact of these centres on decompensated cirrhosis patient outcomes and understand which patients transfer to specialist centres. Methods A UK multicentred retrospective observational study was performed including emergency admissions for patients with decompensated cirrhosis in November 2019. Admissions were grouped by specialist/non-specialist centre designation, National Health Service region and whether a transfer to a more specialist centre occurred or not. Univariable and multivariable comparisons were made. Results 1224 admissions (1168 patients) from 104 acute hospitals were included in this analysis. Patients at specialist centres were more likely to be managed by a Consultant Gastroenterologist/Hepatologist on a Gastroenterology/Hepatology ward. Only 24 patients were transferred to a more specialist centre. These patients were more likely to be admitted for gastrointestinal bleeding and were not using alcohol. Specialist centres eliminated regional variations in mortality which were present at non-specialist centres. Low specialist Consultant staffing numbers impacted mortality at non-specialist centres (aOR 2.15 (95% CI 1.18 to 4.07)) but not at specialist centres. Hospitals within areas of high prevalence of deprivation were more likely to have lower specialist Consultant staffing numbers. Conclusions Specialist Hepatology centres improve patient care and standardise outcomes for patients with decompensated cirrhosis. There is a need to support service development and care delivery at non-specialist centres. Formal referral pathways are required to ensure all patients receive access to specialist interventions.
Collapse
|
7
|
Desai AP, Parvataneni S, Knapp SM, Nephew LD, Chalasani N, Ghabril MS, Orman ES. Hospital frailty risk score is superior to legacy comorbidity indices for risk adjustment of in-hospital cirrhosis cases. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:100955. [PMID: 38192536 PMCID: PMC10772247 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims The hospital frailty risk score (HFRS) identifies older patients at risk of poor outcomes and may have value in cirrhosis. We compared the Charlson (CCI), Elixhauser (ECI), and cirrhosis (CirCom) comorbidity indices with the HFRS in predicting outcomes for cirrhosis hospitalisations. Methods Using the National Inpatient Sample (quarter 4 of 2015-2019), we analysed cirrhosis hospitalisations. For each index, we described the prevalence of comorbid conditions and inpatient mortality. We compared the ability of CCI, ECI, CirCom, and HFRS to predict inpatient mortality. Raw and adjusted models predicting inpatient mortality were compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and the Akaike information criterion. Results The cohort's (N = 626,553) median age was 61 years (IQR 52-68 years), 60% were male, cirrhosis was caused by alcohol in 43%, and 38% had ascites. The median comorbidity scores are as follows: ECI 4 (IQR 3-6), CCI 5 (IQR 4-8), and HFRS 5.6 (IQR 3.0-8.6). The most common CirCom score was 0 + 0 (44%). Across the range of values of each index, we observed different mortality ranges: CCI 1.9-13.1%, ECI 3.2-8.7%, CirCom 4.9-13.8%, and HFRS 1.0-15.2%. An adjusted model with HFRS had the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve in predicting mortality (HFRS 0.782 vs. ECI 0.689, CCI 0.695, and CirCom 0.692). We observed substantial variation in mortality with HFRS within each level of CCI, ECI, and CirCom. For example, for ECI 4, mortality increased from 0.6 to 16.4%, as HFRS increased from 0 to 15. Conclusions Comorbidity indices predict inpatient cirrhosis mortality, but HFRS performs better than CCI, ECI, and CirCom. HFRS is an ideal tool for measuring comorbidity burden and disease severity risk adjustment in cirrhosis-related administrative database studies. Impact and Implications We compared commonly used comorbidity indices to a more recently described risk score (hospital frailty risk score [HFRS]) in patients with cirrhosis using a national sample of hospital records. Comorbid conditions are common in hospitalised patients with cirrhosis. There is significant variability in mortality across the range of each index. HFRS outperforms the Charlson comorbidity index, Elixhauser comorbidity index, and CirCom (cirrhosis-specific comorbidity scoring system) in predicting inpatient mortality. HFRS is a valuable index for risk adjustment in inpatient administrative database studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Archita P. Desai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Swetha Parvataneni
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Shannon M. Knapp
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Lauren D. Nephew
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Naga Chalasani
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Marwan S. Ghabril
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Eric S. Orman
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Åberg F, Asteljoki J, Männistö V, Luukkonen PK. Combined use of the CLivD score and FIB-4 for prediction of liver-related outcomes in the population. Hepatology 2023:01515467-990000000-00691. [PMID: 38112489 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS A need exists for effective and practical tools to identify individuals at increased risk of liver-related outcomes (LROs) within the general population. APPROACH AND RESULTS We externally validated the chronic liver disease (CLivD) score for LROs in the UK Biobank cohort. We also investigated the sequential combined use of CLivD and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) scores. Our analysis included 369,832 adults without baseline liver disease and with available data for CLivD and FIB-4 computation. LROs reflecting compensated or decompensated liver cirrhosis or HCC were ascertained through linkages with electronic health care registries. Discriminatory performance and cumulative incidence were evaluated with competing-risk methodologies. Over a 10-year follow-up, time-dependent AUC values for LRO prediction were 0.80 for CLivD lab (including gamma-glutamyltransferase), 0.72 for CLivD non-lab (excluding laboratory values), and 0.75 for FIB-4. CLivD lab demonstrated AUC values exceeding 0.85 for liver-related death and severe alcohol-associated liver outcomes. The predictive performance of FIB-4 increased with rising CLivD scores; 10-year FIB-4 AUC values ranged from 0.60 within the minimal-risk CLivD subgroup to 0.81 within the high-risk CLivD subgroup. Moreover, in the minimal-risk CLivD subgroup, the cumulative incidence of LRO varied from 0.05% to 0.3% across low-to-high FIB-4 strata. In contrast, within the high-risk CLivD subgroup, the corresponding incidence ranged from 1.7% to 21.1% (up to 33% in individuals with FIB-4 >3.25). CONCLUSIONS The CLivD score is a valid tool for LRO risk assessment and improves the predictive performance of FIB-4. The combined use of CLivD and FIB-4 identified a subgroup where 1 in 3 individuals developed LROs within 10 years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fredrik Åberg
- Transplantation and Liver Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Juho Asteljoki
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Abdominal Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ville Männistö
- Department of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Panu K Luukkonen
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Abdominal Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kendall TJ, Jimenez-Ramos M, Turner F, Ramachandran P, Minnier J, McColgan MD, Alam M, Ellis H, Dunbar DR, Kohnen G, Konanahalli P, Oien KA, Bandiera L, Menolascina F, Juncker-Jensen A, Alexander D, Mayor C, Guha IN, Fallowfield JA. An integrated gene-to-outcome multimodal database for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Nat Med 2023; 29:2939-2953. [PMID: 37903863 PMCID: PMC10667096 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02602-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the commonest cause of chronic liver disease worldwide and represents an unmet precision medicine challenge. We established a retrospective national cohort of 940 histologically defined patients (55.4% men, 44.6% women; median body mass index 31.3; 32% with type 2 diabetes) covering the complete MASLD severity spectrum, and created a secure, searchable, open resource (SteatoSITE). In 668 cases and 39 controls, we generated hepatic bulk RNA sequencing data and performed differential gene expression and pathway analysis, including exploration of gender-specific differences. A web-based gene browser was also developed. We integrated histopathological assessments, transcriptomic data and 5.67 million days of time-stamped longitudinal electronic health record data to define disease-stage-specific gene expression signatures, pathogenic hepatic cell subpopulations and master regulator networks associated with adverse outcomes in MASLD. We constructed a 15-gene transcriptional risk score to predict future hepatic decompensation events (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.86, 0.81 and 0.83 for 1-, 3- and 5-year risk, respectively). Additionally, thyroid hormone receptor beta regulon activity was identified as a critical suppressor of disease progression. SteatoSITE supports rational biomarker and drug development and facilitates precision medicine approaches for patients with MASLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Kendall
- Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Edinburgh Pathology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Maria Jimenez-Ramos
- Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Frances Turner
- Edinburgh Genomics (Bioinformatics), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Jessica Minnier
- OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute Biostatistics Shared Resource, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Michael D McColgan
- Precision Medicine Scotland-Innovation Centre (PMS-IC), University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Masood Alam
- Precision Medicine Scotland-Innovation Centre (PMS-IC), University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Harriet Ellis
- Precision Medicine Scotland-Innovation Centre (PMS-IC), University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Donald R Dunbar
- Edinburgh Genomics (Bioinformatics), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Gabriele Kohnen
- Pathology Department, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Karin A Oien
- Pathology Department, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - Lucia Bandiera
- School of Engineering, Institute of Bioengineering, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Engineering Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Filippo Menolascina
- School of Engineering, Institute of Bioengineering, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Engineering Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | | | - Charlie Mayor
- NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Safe Haven, Glasgow, UK
| | - Indra Neil Guha
- National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Elhence H, Dodge JL, Farias AJ, Lee BP. Quantifying days at home in patients with cirrhosis: A national cohort study. Hepatology 2023; 78:518-529. [PMID: 36994701 PMCID: PMC10363198 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hirsh Elhence
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jennifer L. Dodge
- Department of Population Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Albert J. Farias
- Department of Population Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Brian P. Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Huang DQ, Terrault NA, Tacke F, Gluud LL, Arrese M, Bugianesi E, Loomba R. Global epidemiology of cirrhosis - aetiology, trends and predictions. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 20:388-398. [PMID: 36977794 PMCID: PMC10043867 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00759-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 98.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Cirrhosis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in people with chronic liver disease worldwide. In 2019, cirrhosis was associated with 2.4% of global deaths. Owing to the rising prevalence of obesity and increased alcohol consumption on the one hand, and improvements in the management of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infections on the other, the epidemiology and burden of cirrhosis are changing. In this Review, we highlight global trends in the epidemiology of cirrhosis, discuss the contributions of various aetiologies of liver disease, examine projections for the burden of cirrhosis, and suggest future directions to tackle this condition. Although viral hepatitis remains the leading cause of cirrhosis worldwide, the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcohol-associated cirrhosis are rising in several regions of the world. The global number of deaths from cirrhosis increased between 2012 and 2017, but age-standardized death rates (ASDRs) declined. However, the ASDR for NAFLD-associated cirrhosis increased over this period, whereas ASDRs for other aetiologies of cirrhosis declined. The number of deaths from cirrhosis is projected to increase in the next decade. For these reasons, greater efforts are required to facilitate primary prevention, early detection and treatment of liver disease, and to improve access to care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Q Huang
- NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology, University of California at San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Norah A Terrault
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lise Lotte Gluud
- Gastro Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marco Arrese
- Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Envejecimiento Y Regeneración (CARE), Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Elisabetta Bugianesi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Rohit Loomba
- NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology, University of California at San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California at San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Adejumo AC, Yakovchenko V, Morgan TR, Spoutz P, Chia L, Bajaj JS, Chang MF, Dominitz JA, Rogal SS. The road to pandemic recovery: Tracking COVID-19's impact on cirrhosis care and outcomes among 111,558 Veterans. Hepatology 2023; 77:2016-2029. [PMID: 36705024 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000306] [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: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS This study aimed to evaluate quarterly trends in process and health outcomes among Veterans with cirrhosis and assess the factors associated with cirrhosis outcomes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. APPROACH RESULTS US Veterans with cirrhosis were identified using the Veterans Health Administration Corporate Data Warehouse. Quarterly measures were evaluated from September 30, 2018, through March 31, 2022, including twice yearly screening for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC-6), new HCC, surveillance for or treatment of esophageal varices, variceal bleeding, all-cause hospitalization, and mortality. Joinpoint analyses were used to assess the changes in trends over time. Logistic regression models were used to identify the demographic and medical factors associated with each outcome over time. Among 111,558 Veterans with cirrhosis with a mean Model for End-stage Liver Disease-Sodium of 11±5, rates of HCC-6 sharply declined from a prepandemic peak of 41%, to a nadir of 28%, and rebounded to 36% by March 2022. All-cause mortality did not significantly change over the pandemic, but new HCC diagnosis, EVST, variceal bleeding, and all-cause hospitalization significantly declined over follow-up. Quarterly HCC diagnosis declined from 0.49% to 0.38%, EVST from 50% to 41%, variceal bleeding from 0.15% to 0.11%, and hospitalization from 9% to 5%. Rurality became newly, significantly associated with nonscreening over the pandemic (aOR for HCC-6=0.80, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.86; aOR for EVST=0.95, 95% CI 0.90 to 0.997). CONCLUSIONS The pandemic continues to impact cirrhosis care. Identifying populations at the highest risk of care disruptions may help to address ongoing areas of need.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adeyinka C Adejumo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Vera Yakovchenko
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Timothy R Morgan
- Gastroenterology Section, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, Long Beach, California, USA
| | - Patrick Spoutz
- Pharmacy Benefits Management, Veterans Integrated Service Network 20, Vancouver, Washington, USA
| | - Linda Chia
- Pharmacy Benefits Management, Veterans Integrated Service Network 8, Bay Pines, Florida, USA
| | - Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- VA Richmond Health Care System, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Michael F Chang
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Jason A Dominitz
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Shari S Rogal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Admission care bundles for decompensated cirrhosis are poorly utilised across the UK: results from a multi-centre retrospective study. Clin Med (Lond) 2023; 23:193-200. [PMID: 37236796 PMCID: PMC11046546 DOI: 10.7861/clinmed.2022-0541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Admission care bundles have been demonstrated to improve clinical outcomes for patients in several settings. Decompensated cirrhosis care bundles have been developed following previous reports demonstrating poor care for inpatients with alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD). We performed a UK multi-centred retrospective observational study to understand how frequently decompensated cirrhosis admission care bundles were utilised, who they were used for and their impact on outcomes. In this study (1,224 admissions, 104 hospitals), we demonstrated that admission care bundle usage was low across the UK (11.44%). They were more likely to be utilised in patients with ARLD or who were jaundiced, and less likely to be used in patients admitted for gastrointestinal bleeding. The admission care bundle improved the standard of alcohol care and requesting initial investigations. However, there were areas where more than 80% compliance was achieved without the use of a care bundle and areas where less than 50% compliance was achieved with the use of a care bundle. Given the low utilisation of care bundles, we were unable to demonstrate an effect on risk-adjusted mortality. Thus, interdisciplinary work is required to develop tools which are widely used and improve care and outcomes for patients with decompensated cirrhosis.
Collapse
|
14
|
Holman A, McKeown E, Quinn M, Parikh ND, Tapper EB. Medical malpractice claims in Hepatology: Rates, Reasons, and Results. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0122. [PMID: 37058104 PMCID: PMC10109843 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000122] [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: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinicians are motivated to provide safe, high-quality care to patients with chronic liver disease. This includes the desire to avoid litigation. Data are limited regarding the actual sources of medicolegal risk in chronic liver disease. METHODS We conducted a review of a national liability insurer (Candello) with an additional granular analysis of our institution's registry of liability claims. We included closed cases involving chronic liver disease-related encounters between 2012 and 2021. We determined rates of legal claims from a denominator of unique patients with cirrhosis or transplant care seen over the study period. RESULTS Local database: We retrieved 39 claims of which 15 involved patients with non-cirrhotic chronic liver disease, 13 involved cirrhosis (0.06% incidence), and 11 involved patients who underwent transplantation (0.6% incidence). Most claims involved periprocedural complications. Others included adverse reactions to prophylactic plasma transfusion, medication-induced HE, and falls/fractures. NATIONAL DATABASE We found 94 claims related to liver disease out of 102,575 (0.09%) total claims. Overall, 56% involved diagnosis-related issues (failure/delay in ordering a diagnostic test, failure to appreciate and reconcile a symptom/sign or result, or the misinterpretation of a diagnostic study). Miscommunication between providers and between providers and patients was implicated in 22% of cases. Patient behavior-related factors (nonadherence with scheduled appointments, treatments, or diagnostic testing) factored in 20% of cases. Selection or the management of therapy played a role in 7% of cases. Very rarely were cases associated with technical skill (4%), house staff supervision (3%), or weekend/holiday care (1%). Fifty-one (55%) claims involved HCC. CONCLUSION We provide the rates and reasons for medical malpractice claims in hepatology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Holman
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Ellen McKeown
- Patient Relations & Clinical Risk Department, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Moira Quinn
- Controlled Risk Insurance Company (CRICO) Strategies, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Neehar D. Parikh
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Elliot B. Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hendryx M, Dong Y, Ndeke JM, Luo J. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor initiation and hepatocellular carcinoma prognosis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274519. [PMID: 36094949 PMCID: PMC9467321 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction
Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a relatively new class of antidiabetic drugs. Emerging findings from laboratory studies indicate that SGLT2 inhibitors can improve liver function and suppress the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that initiation of SGLT2 inhibitors improves HCC prognosis in a human population.
Methods
We used National Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)—Medicare linked data in the United States to evaluate the role of SGLT2 inhibitor initiation on the survival of HCC patients. 3,185 HCC patients newly diagnosed between 2014 and 2017 aged 66 years or older with pre-existing type 2 diabetes were included and followed to the end of 2019. Information on SGLT2 inhibitor initiation was extracted from the Medicare Part D file.
Results
SGLT2 inhibitor initiation was associated with significantly lower mortality risk after adjusting for potential confounders (HR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.54–0.86) with stronger association for longer duration of use (HR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.41–0.88). Further, we found that SGLT2 inhibitor initiation was associated with a lower risk mortality risk ranging from 14% to 60% regardless of patient demographic variables, tumor characteristics, and cancer treatments.
Conclusion
Our large SEER-Medicare linked data study indicates that SGLT2 inhibitor initiation was associated with improved overall survival of HCC patients with pre-existing type 2 diabetes compared with no SGLT2 inhibitor use. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and elucidate the possible mechanisms behind the association.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hendryx
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Yi Dong
- Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Jonas M. Ndeke
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Juhua Luo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Verma M, Brahmania M, Fortune BE, Asrani SK, Fuchs M, Volk ML. Patient-centered care: Key elements applicable to chronic liver disease. Hepatology 2022. [PMID: 35712801 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a progressive illness with high symptom burden and functional and cognitive impairment, often with comorbid mental and substance use disorders. These factors lead to significant deterioration in quality of life, with immense burden on patients, caregivers, and healthcare. The current healthcare system in the United States does not adequately meet the needs of patients with CLD or control costs given the episodic, reactive, and fee-for-service structure. There is also a need for clinical and financial accountability for CLD care. In this context, we describe the key elements required to shift the CLD care paradigm to a patient-centered and value-based system built upon the Porter model of value-based health care. The key elements include (1) organization into integrated practice units, (2) measuring and incorporating meaningful patient-reported outcomes, (3) enabling technology to allow innovation, (4) bundled care payments, (5) integrating palliative care within routine care, and (6) formalizing centers of excellence. These elements have been shown to improve outcomes, reduce costs, and improve overall patient experience for other chronic illnesses and should have similar benefits for CLD. Payers need to partner with providers and systems to build upon these elements and help align reimbursements with patients' values and outcomes. The national organizations such as the American Association for Study of Liver Diseases need to guide key stakeholders in standardizing these elements to optimize patient-centered care for CLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Verma
- Department of Medicine, Einstein Healthcare Network, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Brett E Fortune
- Montefiore Einstein Center for Transplantation, Bronx, New York, USA
| | | | - Michael Fuchs
- Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Michael L Volk
- Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|