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Jothimani D, Kumar Marannan N, Jain K, Krishna A, Rela M. Cardiac Evaluation in Liver Transplant Candidates. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2025; 15:102554. [PMID: 40415922 PMCID: PMC12099453 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2025.102554] [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: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2025] [Indexed: 05/27/2025] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) is the only cure for patients with end-stage liver disease. With an increase in the prevalence of obesity and associated metabolic risk factors cardiovascular disease, in particular coronary artery disease is increasingly recognised in patients with liver cirrhosis. Identification and management of these cardiovascular risk factors may influence post-transplant clinical outcomes. A detailed assessment of patients' cardiovascular status is therefore crucial in the decision-making of patients for LT. Identification of patients with CAD requires risk stratification around perioperative and long term post-operative period. Advanced age, male sex, smoking diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity and metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) cirrhosis significantly increase the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Patients with these high-risk factors should undergo cardiac investigations with higher sensitivity to identify CAD. Patients with low-risk factors for CAD may undergo cardiac investigations with high specificity. Patients with cirrhosis may also suffer from conditions directly related to liver disease such as cirrhotic cardiomyopathy and porto-pulmonary hypertension, and conditions unrelated to liver disease such as arrhythmias. Rarely, valvular heart disease may be identified during transplant evaluation. Clinicians managing patients for liver transplantation should carefully evaluate cardiovascular risk and treat it appropriately prior to the surgery, to minimise post-transplant complication. A multidisciplinary approach involving transplant physicians, anaesthetists, cardiologists and transplant surgeons is strongly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Jothimani
- Institute of Liver Disease and Transplantation, Dr Rela Institute and Medical Centre, Chennai, India
| | - Navin Kumar Marannan
- Institute of Liver Disease and Transplantation, Dr Rela Institute and Medical Centre, Chennai, India
| | - Karan Jain
- Institute of Liver Disease and Transplantation, Dr Rela Institute and Medical Centre, Chennai, India
| | - Aswin Krishna
- Institute of Liver Disease and Transplantation, Dr Rela Institute and Medical Centre, Chennai, India
| | - Mohamed Rela
- Institute of Liver Disease and Transplantation, Dr Rela Institute and Medical Centre, Chennai, India
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Pan Z, Xu X, Xu X, Wu S, Zhang Z, Liu S, Liu Z, Tu B, Chen C, Qin Y, He J. Prevalence and outcomes of atrial fibrillation in patients suffering prostate cancer: a national analysis in the United States. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1382166. [PMID: 38638883 PMCID: PMC11025351 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1382166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Although the adverse effects of atrial fibrillation (AF) on cancers have been well reported, the relationship between the AF and the adverse outcomes in prostate cancer (PC) remains inconclusive. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of AF and evaluate the relationship between AF and clinical outcomes in PC patients. Methods Patients diagnosed with PC between 2008 and 2017 were identified from the National Inpatient Sample database. The trends in AF prevalence were compared among PC patients and their subgroups. Multivariable regression models were used to assess the associations between AF and in-hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, total cost, and other clinical outcomes. Results 256,239 PC hospitalizations were identified; 41,356 (83.8%) had no AF and 214,883 (16.2%) had AF. AF prevalence increased from 14.0% in 2008 to 20.1% in 2017 (P < .001). In-hospital mortality in PC inpatients with AF increased from 5.1% in 2008 to 8.1% in 2017 (P < .001). AF was associated with adverse clinical outcomes, such as in-hospital mortality, congestive heart failure, pulmonary circulation disorders, renal failure, fluid and electrolyte disorders, cardiogenic shock, higher total cost, and longer length of hospital stay. Conclusions The prevalence of AF among inpatients with PC increased from 2008 to 2017. AF was associated with poor prognosis and higher health resource utilization. Better management strategies for patients with comorbid PC and AF, particularly in older individuals, are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhemin Pan
- Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Xu
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengyong Wu
- Department of Military Health Statistics, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhensheng Zhang
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Suxuan Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhijian Liu
- Department of Nursing, The 940 Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of PLA, Lanzhou, China
| | - Boxiang Tu
- Department of Military Health Statistics, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenxin Chen
- Department of Military Health Statistics, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingyi Qin
- Department of Military Health Statistics, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia He
- Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Military Health Statistics, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Protopapas AA, Savopoulos C, Skoura L, Goulis I. Anticoagulation in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis: Friend or Foe? Dig Dis Sci 2023; 68:2237-2246. [PMID: 36961672 PMCID: PMC10188576 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-023-07858-9] [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: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Concepts regarding the status of the coagulation process in cirrhosis are rapidly changing. Instead of a disease defined by excessive bleeding risk, recent studies have shown cirrhosis to be associated with a fragile state of rebalanced hemostasis, easily swayed in either direction, thrombosis, or bleeding. These findings, combined with the ever-growing population of patients with cirrhosis with an indication for anticoagulation (AC) and the emergence of the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease epidemic, have prompted a reexamination of the use of AC in patients with cirrhosis, either as a treatment for a concurrent thrombotic disorder or even as a possible therapeutic option that could influence the natural course of the disease and its complications. In recent years, a significant number of studies have been formulated to evaluate these possibilities. These studies evaluated, among others, the efficacy and safety of AC in thrombotic disorders or thrombotic complications of cirrhosis, its effect on survival, and the class of anticoagulants which is more suitable for patients with cirrhosis, depending on disease severity. This review examines recent studies investigating the use of AC in patients with cirrhosis and attempts to provide a simple guide for clinicians regarding the use of AC in patients with cirrhosis and its potential risks and benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adonis A Protopapas
- First Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA University Hospital, 54636, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Christos Savopoulos
- First Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA University Hospital, 54636, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Lemonia Skoura
- Department of Microbiology, Aristotle University οf Thessaloniki, AHEPA University Hospital, 54636, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Goulis
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippokration Hospital, 54642, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Vandenberk B, Altieri MH, Liu H, Raj SR, Lee SS. Review article: diagnosis, pathophysiology and management of atrial fibrillation in cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2023; 57:290-303. [PMID: 36571829 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia and its management in cirrhosis can be challenging due to the altered hepatic metabolism of medications and increased risk of bleeding. AIMS To provide a comprehensive overview of the diagnosis, pathophysiology and management of AF in patients with cirrhosis from both a cardiology and a hepatology perspective. METHODS An extensive literature search was performed using the terms 'atrial fibrillation' and 'cirrhosis'. Guideline documents and consensus statements were explored. RESULTS The prevalence of AF in patients with cirrhosis ranges between 6.6% and 14.2%, while the incidence of new-onset AF in the post-operative period after liver transplant ranged between 6.8% and 10.2%. AF in patients with cirrhosis is associated with adverse outcomes in both pre-transplant and post-transplant settings, including an increased risk of stroke when compared to the general population. We review the pathogenesis of AF in general and in cirrhosis. This review also provides guidance on the management of AF, including the use of anticoagulation and rate versus rhythm control. In the absence of strict contraindications, all patients with cirrhosis and AF should be anticoagulated. The use of DOACs is preferred over vitamin K antagonists. In patients with a high bleeding risk, a DOAC with an approved antidote may be preferred. CONCLUSIONS Atrial fibrillation is increased in patients with cirrhosis. AF management requires careful consideration of treatment options. Since patients with cirrhosis were excluded from all major randomised clinical trials, dedicated research on the pathophysiology and management of AF in cirrhosis is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert Vandenberk
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mario H Altieri
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, CHU Caen, Caen, France
| | - Hongqun Liu
- Liver Unit, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Satish R Raj
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Autonomic Dysfunction Center, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Samuel S Lee
- Liver Unit, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Nagraj S, Peppas S, Rubianes Guerrero MG, Kokkinidis DG, Contreras-Yametti FI, Murthy S, Jorde UP. Cardiac risk stratification of the liver transplant candidate: A comprehensive review. World J Transplant 2022; 12:142-156. [PMID: 36051452 PMCID: PMC9331410 DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v12.i7.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) form a principal consideration in patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) undergoing evaluation for liver transplant (LT) with prognostic implications in the peri- and post-transplant periods. As the predominant etiology of ESLD continues to evolve, addressing CVD in these patients has become increasingly relevant. Likewise, as the number of LTs increase by the year, the proportion of older adults on the waiting list with competing comorbidities increase, and the demographics of LT candidates evolve with parallel increases in their CVD risk profiles. The primary goal of cardiac risk assessment is to preemptively reduce the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality that may arise from hemodynamic stress in the peri- and post-transplant periods. The complex hemodynamics shared by ESLD patients in the pre-transplant period with adverse cardiovascular events occurring in only some of these recipients continue to challenge currently available guidelines and their uniform applicability. This review focusses on cardiac assessment of LT candidates in a stepwise manner with special emphasis on preoperative patient optimization. We hope that this will reinforce the importance of cardiovascular optimization prior to LT, prevent futile LT in those with advanced CVD beyond the stage of optimization, and thereby use the finite resources prudently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjana Nagraj
- Department of Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY 10461, United States
| | - Spyros Peppas
- Department of Gastroenterology, Athens Naval Hospital, Athens 115 21, Greece
| | | | - Damianos G Kokkinidis
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT 06510, United States
| | | | - Sandhya Murthy
- Division of Cardiology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY 10467, United States
| | - Ulrich P Jorde
- Division of Cardiology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY 10467, United States
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Topical Issues in Diagnosis of Coagulopathies and Prevention of Thromboembolic Complications of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis. Fam Med 2021. [DOI: 10.30841/2307-5112.5-6.2020.225448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Nowadays the comorbid pathology of liver cirrhosis and atrial fibrillation has been widely discussed and reported in the literature in the light of recent findings from the study of the effectiveness and safety of anticoagulants in this category of patients. The review is devoted to summarizing the existing data on the comorbid course of these diseases from the point of view of the impact of bleeding and thrombosis on the quality of life and mortality of patients and the possibility of using new methods of diagnosis and prevention of these complications.
The purpose of the review is to focus the attention of physicians and researches on the relevance and prevalence of comorbid course of liver cirrhosis and atrial fibrillation, their complications, and discuss the benefits and possibilities of applying global methods of hemostasis assessment and anticoagulants in clinical practice.
This article examines the main pathophysiological aspects of «rebalanced hemostasis» theory in liver coagulopathies, its effect on the onset of bleeding and thrombotic events, and considering the clinical benefit of the use of anticoagulants. The disadvantages of traditional coagulation assessment tests compared to the benefits of thromboelastometry (ROTEM) and thromboelastography (TEG), general fulfilling principles and evaluation of their indicators are discussed. Existing research findings on the safety and efficacy of warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants in patients with liver cirrhosis and atrial fibrillation compared with no treatment are highlighted.
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