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Tubaki BR, Gawas SC, Negi H. Effect of Ayurveda Management on Liver Cirrhosis with Ascites-A Retrospective Cohort Study. J Ayurveda Integr Med 2022; 13:100508. [PMID: 34996679 PMCID: PMC8814404 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2021.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cirrhosis with ascites is a challenging medical condition. Ayurveda Clinical experiences suggest of a favourable role but lacks evidence. In a Retrospective cohort study, hospital records of patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites diagnosed though medical ultrasonography, treated at in patient division, department of Kayachikitsa, Medical Research Facility of KLE Ayurveda Hospital Belagavi were screened. Records with Nityavirechana procedure, minimum of 7 days of admission, proper documentation and meeting the other inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected for the study. Assessment were abdominal girth measurements at umbilicus, Xiphisternum to umbilicus measurement, Umbilicus to pubic symphysis measurement, weight, clinical global impression (CGI) scales (Severity, improvement and efficacy index), hemoglobin, liver function tests, Prothrombin time, INR and renal function tests. Fifty five case records met the methodological criteria of the study. Patients were suffering from stage 3, decompensated cirrhosis and Child-Turcotte-Pugh Score was in class C. Analysis of 15 days of interventions was carried out. Assessments were carried out at base line, 7th, 9th, 11th and 15th day of treatment. Interventions included nitya virechana, oral medicaments, diet, salt and fluid restrictions. Ayurveda interventions resulted in significant improvement (p<0.001) at all time points in various parameters of abdominal measurements, weight, CGI scales, hemoglobin, liver function tests, prothrombin time, INR and renal function tests. Study showed complex Ayurveda interventions through nitya virechana, oral medications, diet, fluid and salt restrictions improve the clinical profile, liver function, renal function, prothrombin time, INR parameters in patients of ascites with decompensated cirrhosis and warrants further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- B R Tubaki
- Department of Kayachikitsa, Shri BMK Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, A Constituent Unit of KLE Academy of Higher Education & Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, India.
| | - Saish C Gawas
- Department of Kayachikitsa, Shri BMK Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, A Constituent Unit of KLE Academy of Higher Education & Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
| | - Himani Negi
- Department of Kayachikitsa, Shri BMK Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, A Constituent Unit of KLE Academy of Higher Education & Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
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Patients with Liver Cirrhosis as Frequent Attenders of Emergency Departments. Emerg Med Int 2020; 2020:8289275. [PMID: 32104605 PMCID: PMC7036124 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8289275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Frequent attendance for nonemergency problems to emergency departments (EDs) contributes to ED overcrowding, resulting in medical care delays, increased medical errors, and social and economic burdens. Most studies regarding frequent attenders of EDs examine general patients without classifying certain subgroups. This study aimed to investigate patients with liver cirrhosis who present repeatedly to the ED. Methods This was a retrospective, observational cohort study of adult patients with a history of liver cirrhosis presenting to the ED from January 2011 to December 2015. We included patients with cirrhosis whose first ED visit occurred during the study period. We went far back for 20 years and excluded patients with any ED visits (including both cirrhosis and noncirrhosis-related ones) before the study period. We categorized frequent attenders as patients with more than 4 ED visits within 12 months after the first ED visit; infrequent attenders were those who did not meet this criterion. Results A total of 3513 patients with cirrhosis were included in this retrospective cohort study. Compared with the infrequent attenders, frequent attenders had a higher rate of presentations due to hepatic encephalopathy (15.2% vs 13.7%, P < 0.001) and ascites (10% vs 4%, P < 0.001) and ascites (10% vs 4%, P < 0.001) and ascites (10% vs 4%. Conclusions Hepatic encephalopathy and ascites account for more ED visits in frequent than in infrequent attenders. Our findings provide information for those planning outpatient support for patients with cirrhosis. Further research is warranted.
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Anstee QM, Seth D, Day CP. Genetic Factors That Affect Risk of Alcoholic and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Gastroenterology 2016; 150:1728-1744.e7. [PMID: 26873399 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2016.01.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2015] [Revised: 01/17/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies and candidate gene studies have informed our understanding of factors contributing to the well-recognized interindividual variation in the progression and outcomes of alcoholic liver disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. We discuss the mounting evidence for shared modifiers and common pathophysiological processes that contribute to development of both diseases. We discuss the functions of proteins encoded by risk variants of genes including patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 3 and transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2, as well as epigenetic factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. We also discuss important areas of future genetic research and their potential to affect clinical management of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quentin M Anstee
- Liver Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom.
| | - Devanshi Seth
- Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Australia; Drug Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Australia; Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Christopher P Day
- Liver Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
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Bhala N, Cézard G, Ward HJ, Bansal N, Bhopal R. Ethnic Variations in Liver- and Alcohol-Related Disease Hospitalisations and Mortality: The Scottish Health and Ethnicity Linkage Study. Alcohol Alcohol 2016; 51:593-601. [DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agw018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
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Thursz M, Forrest E, Roderick P, Day C, Austin A, O'Grady J, Ryder S, Allison M, Gleeson D, McCune A, Patch D, Wright M, Masson S, Richardson P, Vale L, Mellor J, Stanton L, Bowers M, Ratcliffe I, Downs N, Kirkman S, Homer T, Ternent L. The clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of STeroids Or Pentoxifylline for Alcoholic Hepatitis (STOPAH): a 2 × 2 factorial randomised controlled trial. Health Technol Assess 2015; 19:1-104. [PMID: 26691209 PMCID: PMC4781103 DOI: 10.3310/hta191020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is a distinct presentation of alcoholic liver disease arising in patients who have been drinking to excess for prolonged periods, which is characterised by jaundice and liver failure. Severe disease is associated with high short-term mortality. Prednisolone and pentoxifylline (PTX) are recommended in guidelines for treatment of severe AH, but trials supporting their use have given heterogeneous results and controversy persists about their benefit. OBJECTIVES The aim of the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of STeroids Or Pentoxifylline for Alcoholic Hepatitis trial was to resolve the clinical dilemma on the use of prednisolone or PTX. DESIGN The trial was a randomised, double-blind, 2 × 2 factorial, multicentre design. SETTING Sixty-five gastroenterology and hepatology inpatient units across the UK. PARTICIPANTS Patients with a clinical diagnosis of AH who had a Maddrey's discriminant function value of ≥ 32 were randomised into four arms: A, placebo/placebo; B, placebo/prednisolone; C, PTX/placebo; and D, PTX/prednisolone. Of the 5234 patients screened for the trial, 1103 were randomised and after withdrawals, 1053 were available for primary end-point analysis. INTERVENTIONS Those allocated to prednisolone were given 40 mg daily for 28 days and those allocated to PTX were given 400 mg three times per day for 28 days. OUTCOMES The primary outcome measure was mortality at 28 days. Secondary outcome measures included mortality or liver transplant at 90 days and at 1 year. Rates of recidivism among survivors and the impact of recidivism on mortality were assessed. RESULTS At 28 days, in arm A, 45 of 269 (16.7%) patients died; in arm B, 38 of 266 (14.3%) died; in arm C, 50 of 258 (19.4%) died; and in arm D, 35 of 260 (13.5%) died. For PTX, the odds ratio for 28-day mortality was 1.07 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.77 to 1.40; p = 0.686)] and for prednisolone the odds ratio was 0.72 (95% CI 0.52 to 1.01; p = 0.056). In the logistic regression analysis, accounting for indices of disease severity and prognosis, the odds ratio for 28-day mortality in the prednisolone-treated group was 0.61 (95% CI 0.41 to 0.91; p = 0.015). At 90 days and 1 year there were no significant differences in mortality rates between the treatment groups. Serious infections occurred in 13% of patients treated with prednisolone compared with 7% of controls (p = 0.002). At the 90-day follow-up, 45% of patients reported being completely abstinent, 9% reported drinking within safety limits and 33% had an unknown level of alcohol consumption. At 1 year, 37% of patients reported being completely abstinent, 10% reported drinking within safety limits and 39% had an unknown level of alcohol consumption. Only 22% of patients had attended alcohol rehabilitation treatment at 90 days and 1 year. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that prednisolone reduces the risk of mortality at 28 days, but this benefit is not sustained beyond 28 days. PTX had no impact on survival. Future research should focus on interventions to promote abstinence and on treatments that suppress the hepatic inflammation without increasing susceptibility to infection. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial is registered as EudraCT 2009-013897-42 and Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN88782125. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 19, No. 102. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information. The NIHR Clinical Research Network provided research nurse support and the Imperial College Biomedical Research Centre also provided funding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Thursz
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ewan Forrest
- Department of Gastroenterology, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
| | - Paul Roderick
- Primary Care & Population Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Christopher Day
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Andrew Austin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Derby Royal Hospital, Derby, UK
| | - John O'Grady
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Stephen Ryder
- Department of Hepatology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Unit, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
| | - Michael Allison
- Department of Hepatology, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Dermot Gleeson
- Department of Hepatology, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Anne McCune
- Department of Hepatology, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol, UK
| | - David Patch
- Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Mark Wright
- Department of Hepatology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Steven Masson
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Paul Richardson
- Department of Hepatology, Royal Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Luke Vale
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jane Mellor
- Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Louise Stanton
- Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Megan Bowers
- Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ian Ratcliffe
- Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Nichola Downs
- Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Scott Kirkman
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Tara Homer
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Laura Ternent
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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A Complex Multiherbal Regimen Based on Ayurveda Medicine for the Management of Hepatic Cirrhosis Complicated by Ascites: Nonrandomized, Uncontrolled, Single Group, Open-Label Observational Clinical Study. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2015; 2015:613182. [PMID: 26339267 PMCID: PMC4539059 DOI: 10.1155/2015/613182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2014] [Revised: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic cirrhosis is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, especially if complicated by ascites. This chronic condition can be related to the classical disease entity jalodara in Traditional Indian Medicine (Ayurveda). The present paper aims to evaluate the general potential of Ayurvedic therapy for overall clinical outcomes in hepatic cirrhosis complicated by ascites (HCcA). In form of a nonrandomized, uncontrolled, single group, open-label observational clinical study, 56 patients fulfilling standardized diagnostic criteria for HCcA were observed during their treatment at the P. D. Patel Ayurveda Hospital, Nadiad, India. Based on Ayurvedic tradition, a standardized treatment protocol was developed and implemented, consisting of oral administration of single and compound herbal preparations combined with purificatory measures as well as dietary and lifestyle regimens. The outcomes were assessed by measuring liver functions through specific clinical features and laboratory parameters and by evaluating the Child-Pugh prognostic grade score. After 6 weeks of treatment and a follow-up period of 18 weeks, the outcomes showed statistically significant and clinically relevant improvements. Further larger and randomized trials on effectiveness, safety, and quality of the Ayurvedic approach in the treatment of HCcA are warranted to support these preliminary findings.
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Neuman MG, French SW, French BA, Seitz HK, Cohen LB, Mueller S, Osna NA, Kharbanda KK, Seth D, Bautista A, Thompson KJ, McKillop IH, Kirpich IA, McClain CJ, Bataller R, Nanau RM, Voiculescu M, Opris M, Shen H, Tillman B, Li J, Liu H, Thomes PG, Ganesan M, Malnick S. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Exp Mol Pathol 2014; 97:492-510. [PMID: 25217800 PMCID: PMC4696068 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2014.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
This paper is based upon the "Charles Lieber Satellite Symposia" organized by Manuela G. Neuman at the Research Society on Alcoholism (RSA) Annual Meetings, 2013 and 2014. The present review includes pre-clinical, translational and clinical research that characterize alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In addition, a literature search in the discussed area was performed. Strong clinical and experimental evidence lead to recognition of the key toxic role of alcohol in the pathogenesis of ALD. The liver biopsy can confirm the etiology of NASH or alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH) and assess structural alterations of cells, their organelles, as well as inflammatory activity. Three histological stages of ALD are simple steatosis, ASH, and chronic hepatitis with hepatic fibrosis or cirrhosis. These latter stages may also be associated with a number of cellular and histological changes, including the presence of Mallory's hyaline, megamitochondria, or perivenular and perisinusoidal fibrosis. Genetic polymorphisms of ethanol metabolizing enzymes such as cytochrome p450 (CYP) 2E1 activation may change the severity of ASH and NASH. Alcohol mediated hepatocarcinogenesis, immune response to alcohol in ASH, as well as the role of other risk factors such as its co-morbidities with chronic viral hepatitis in the presence or absence of human immunodeficiency virus are discussed. Dysregulation of hepatic methylation, as result of ethanol exposure, in hepatocytes transfected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), illustrates an impaired interferon signaling. The hepatotoxic effects of ethanol undermine the contribution of malnutrition to the liver injury. Dietary interventions such as micro and macronutrients, as well as changes to the microbiota are suggested. The clinical aspects of NASH, as part of metabolic syndrome in the aging population, are offered. The integrative symposia investigate different aspects of alcohol-induced liver damage and possible repair. We aim to (1) determine the immuno-pathology of alcohol-induced liver damage, (2) examine the role of genetics in the development of ASH, (3) propose diagnostic markers of ASH and NASH, (4) examine age differences, (5) develop common research tools to study alcohol-induced effects in clinical and pre-clinical studies, and (6) focus on factors that aggravate severity of organ-damage. The intention of these symposia is to advance the international profile of the biological research on alcoholism. We also wish to further our mission of leading the forum to progress the science and practice of translational research in alcoholism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela G Neuman
- In Vitro Drug Safety and Biotechnology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | | | | | - Helmut K Seitz
- Centre of Alcohol Research, University of Heidelberg and Department of Medicine (Gastroenterology and Hepatology), Salem Medical Centre, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lawrence B Cohen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sebastian Mueller
- Centre of Alcohol Research, University of Heidelberg and Department of Medicine (Gastroenterology and Hepatology), Salem Medical Centre, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Natalia A Osna
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Internal Medicine, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Kusum K Kharbanda
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Internal Medicine, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Devanshi Seth
- Drug Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Abraham Bautista
- Office of Extramural Activities, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Kyle J Thompson
- Department of Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Iain H McKillop
- Department of Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Irina A Kirpich
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine and Department of Pharmacology; Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Craig J McClain
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine and Department of Pharmacology; Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA; Robley Rex Veterans Medical Center, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Ramon Bataller
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Radu M Nanau
- In Vitro Drug Safety and Biotechnology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mihai Voiculescu
- Division of Nephrology and Internal Medicine, Fundeni Clinical Institute and University of Medicine and Pharmacy, "Carol Davila", Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihai Opris
- In Vitro Drug Safety and Biotechnology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Family Medicine Clinic CAR, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Hong Shen
- Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | | | - Jun Li
- Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Hui Liu
- Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Paul G Thomes
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Internal Medicine, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Murali Ganesan
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Internal Medicine, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Steve Malnick
- Department Internal Medicine, Kaplan Medical Centre and Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
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Forrest E, Mellor J, Stanton L, Bowers M, Ryder P, Austin A, Day C, Gleeson D, O’Grady J, Masson S, McCune A, Patch D, Richardson P, Roderick P, Ryder S, Wright M, Thursz M. Steroids or pentoxifylline for alcoholic hepatitis (STOPAH): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials 2013; 14:262. [PMID: 23958271 PMCID: PMC3766225 DOI: 10.1186/1745-6215-14-262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcoholic hepatitis is the most florid presentation of alcohol-related liver disease. In its severe form, defined by a Maddrey's discriminant function (DF) ≥32, the 28-day mortality rate is approximately 35%. A number of potential treatments have been subjected to clinical trials, of which two, corticosteroids and pentoxifylline, may have therapeutic benefit. The role of corticosteroids is controversial as trial results have been inconsistent, whereas the role of pentoxifylline requires confirmation as only one previous placebo-controlled trial has been published. METHODS/DESIGN STOPAH is a multicentre, double-blind, factorial (2 × 2) trial in which patients are randomised to one of four groups:1. Group A: placebo / placebo2. Group B: placebo / prednisolone3. Group C: pentoxifylline / placebo4. Group D: pentoxifylline / prednisoloneThe trial aims to randomise 1,200 patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis, in order to provide sufficient power to determine whether either of the two interventions is effective. The primary endpoint of the study is mortality at 28 days, with secondary endpoints being mortality at 90 days and 1 year. DISCUSSION STOPAH aims to be a definitive study to resolve controversy around the existing treatments for alcoholic hepatitis. Eligibility criteria are based on clinical parameters rather than liver biopsy, which are aligned with standard clinical practice in most hospitals. The use of a factorial design will allow two treatments to be evaluated in parallel, with efficient use of patient numbers to achieve high statistical power. TRIAL REGISTRATION EudraCT reference number: 2009-013897-42 ISRCTN reference number: ISRCTN88782125.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewan Forrest
- Department of Gastroenterology, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Castle Street, Glasgow G4 0SF, UK
| | - Jane Mellor
- University of Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, MP 131, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Louise Stanton
- University of Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, MP 131, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Megan Bowers
- University of Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, MP 131, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Priscilla Ryder
- Department of Gastroenterology, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Castle Street, Glasgow G4 0SF, UK
- Newcastle University Medical School Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Andrew Austin
- Royal Derby Hospital, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Uttoxeter Road, Derby DE22 3NE, UK
| | - Christopher Day
- Newcastle University Medical School Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | | | - John O’Grady
- Institute of Liver Studies, King’s College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, UK
| | - Steven Masson
- Liver Unit, Freeman Hospital, Freeman Road High Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7DN, UK
| | - Anne McCune
- Department of Hepatology, Level 2, Old Building, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Marlborough Street, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK
| | - David Patch
- The Royal Free, Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre, The Royal Free Hospital, Pond Street, London NW3 2QG, UK
| | - Paul Richardson
- The Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Prescot Street, Liverpool L7 8XP, UK
| | - Paul Roderick
- Public Health Sciences and Medical Statistics, University of Southampton, C floor South Academic Block, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Stephen Ryder
- Department of Gastroenterology, Queen’s Medical Centre campus, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Mark Wright
- Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Mark Thursz
- Hepatology Section, Imperial College, Norfolk Place, London, Paddington W2 1NY, UK
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Seth D, Haber PS, Syn WK, Diehl AM, Day CP. Pathogenesis of alcohol-induced liver disease: classical concepts and recent advances. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2011; 26:1089-105. [PMID: 21545524 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2011.06756.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a primary consequence of heavy and prolonged drinking. ALD contributes to the bulk of liver disease burden worldwide. Progression of ALD is a multifactorial and multistep process that includes many genetic and environmental risk factors. The molecular pathogenesis of ALD involves alcohol metabolism and secondary mechanisms such as oxidative stress, endotoxin, cytokines and immune regulators. The histopathological manifestation of ALD occurs as an outcome of complex but controlled interactions between hepatic cell types. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the key drivers of fibrogenesis, but transformation of hepatocytes to myofibroblastoids also implicate parenchymal cells as playing an active role in hepatic fibrogenesis. Recent discoveries indicate that lipogenesis during the early stages of ALD is a risk for advancement to cirrhosis. Other recently identified novel molecules and physiological/cell signaling pathways include fibrinolysis, osteopontin, transforming growth factor-β-SMAD and hedgehog signaling, and involvement of novel cytokines in hepatic fibrogenesis. The observation that ALD and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis share common pathways and genetic polymorphisms suggests operation of parallel pathogenic mechanisms. Future research involving genomics, epigenomics, deep sequencing and non-coding regulatory elements holds promise to identify novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets for ALD. There is also a need for adequate animal models to study pathogenic mechanisms at the molecular level and targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devanshi Seth
- Drug Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.
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Bhala N, Fischbacher C, Bhopal R. Mortality for alcohol-related harm by country of birth in Scotland, 2000-2004: potential lessons for prevention. Alcohol Alcohol 2010; 45:552-6. [PMID: 20847062 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agq056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Deaths caused by alcohol have increased in the UK, and Scotland in particular, but the change in the rates of alcohol-related deaths for migrants are uncertain, and could yield insights for the general population. METHODS Alcohol-related mortality in immigrants among Scotland's residents was assessed using 2001 census data and mortality data from 2000 to 2004. RESULTS Mortality from direct alcohol-related causes accounted for nearly 1500 deaths per year in Scotland. Age-standardized mortality ratios were comparatively low for people born in Pakistan, other parts of the UK (largely England and Wales) and those from elsewhere in the world. CONCLUSIONS Scotland's propensity to alcohol-related deaths is not shared by all its residents. Studying such variations in more depth could yield lessons for prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neeraj Bhala
- Clinical Trial Service Unit and Epidemiological Studies Unit (CTSU), Roosevelt Way, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Young AL, Peters CJ, Pocock PV, Millson CE, Prasad KR. Do smaller adults wait longer for liver transplantation? A comparison of the UK and the USA data. Clin Transplant 2009; 24:181-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0012.2009.01037.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Bhala N, Bhopal R, Brock A, Griffiths C, Wild S. Alcohol-related and hepatocellular cancer deaths by country of birth in England and Wales: analysis of mortality and census data. J Public Health (Oxf) 2009; 31:250-7. [DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdp014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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Batty GD, Shipley MJ, Kivimaki M, Barzi F, Smith GD, Mitchell R, Marmot MG, Huxley R. Obesity and overweight in relation to liver disease mortality in men: 38 year follow-up of the original Whitehall study. Int J Obes (Lond) 2008; 32:1741-4. [PMID: 18794897 DOI: 10.1038/ijo.2008.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Obesity has been implicated in the aetiology of liver disease. However, to date, evidence is largely drawn from cross-sectional studies, where interpretation is hampered by reverse causality, and from studies on clinical populations that have limited generalisability. In this prospective cohort study, data on body mass index (BMI) and covariates were collected at baseline on 18 863 male government employees (aged 40-69 years). Respondents were then followed up for a maximum of 38 years of age. Mortality surveillance gave rise to 13 129 deaths, 122 of which were due to liver disease (57 cancers; 65 non-cancers). In age-adjusted analyses, BMI was positively related to total liver disease mortality (hazards ratio per 1 s.d. increase in BMI; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.36; 1.14, 1.62) in a graded fashion across the weight categories (P-value for trend: 0.01). The magnitude of this association was somewhat stronger for non-cancer liver disease deaths (1.47; 1.16, 1.86) than for cancer liver disease deaths (1.25; 0.96, 1.62). Excluding deaths in the first 10 years of follow-up somewhat strengthened the BMI-non-cancer liver disease association. Adjustment for socioeconomic position, other candidate confounders and mediating factors led to the modest attenuation of these associations. Further investigation in prospective cohort studies with more detailed data on liver disease, for instance using biochemical tests of liver function or hepatic ultrasonography, is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- G D Batty
- MRC Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
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Williams JG, Roberts SE, Ali MF, Cheung WY, Cohen DR, Demery G, Edwards A, Greer M, Hellier MD, Hutchings HA, Ip B, Longo MF, Russell IT, Snooks HA, Williams JC. Gastroenterology services in the UK. The burden of disease, and the organisation and delivery of services for gastrointestinal and liver disorders: a review of the evidence. Gut 2007; 56 Suppl 1:1-113. [PMID: 17303614 PMCID: PMC1860005 DOI: 10.1136/gut.2006.117598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/11/2006] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J G Williams
- Centre for Health Information, Research and EvaLuation (CHIRAL), School of Medicine, University of Wales, Swansea, UK
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15
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Affiliation(s)
- K P Moore
- The UCL Institute of Hepatology, Royal Free and University College Medical School, UCL, Rowland Hill St, London NW3 2PF, UK.
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Cortez-Pinto H, Marques-Vidal P, Monteiro E. Liver disease-related admissions in Portugal: clinical and demographic pattern. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2004; 16:873-7. [PMID: 15316411 DOI: 10.1097/00042737-200409000-00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the burden of liver disease in Portugal. METHODS Cross-sectional study conducted in 2001 among 773,187 patients, corresponding to 922,611 hospital admissions. Liver disease was defined by International Classification of Diseases (9th edition) codes 570-573. The cost of hospitalization was computed using the groups of homogeneous diagnosis defined by the Portuguese Ministry of Health. RESULTS In 2001 there were 12,371 patients admitted for liver-related disease, for a total of 16,607 hospital admissions, corresponding to 1.6% and 1.8% of all patients and hospital admissions, respectively. The mean age of the subjects was 57 +/- 16 years, with 8870 (72%) men and 3501 (28%) women. There were 2181 in-hospital deaths, corresponding to 17.6% of the patients admitted. Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) represented 63% of hospitalizations, and non alcohol-related liver disease (NALD) represented 37%. However, among men there were 69% ALD, while in women this percentage was only 46% (P < 0.001). The median length of stay (interquartile range) for each admission was 8 (11) days in ALD and 8 (13) days in NALD, respectively. Complications were reported in 7446 admissions: upper gastrointestinal bleeding, 3436 (46.1%); ascites, 3425 (46.0%); encephalopathy, 2245 (30.2%); jaundice, 122 (1.6%). The cost of hospital admissions for liver disease was euro 59.4 million, corresponding to 2.4% of all hospital health care expenses. CONCLUSION Although there are strong limitations depending mostly on the inadequacy of International Classification of Diseases (9th edition) regarding liver disease, present data indicate that this condition is still mainly associated with alcohol, representing an important burden in what concerns either hospitalization time or economic costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Cortez-Pinto
- Associação Portuguesa para o Estudo do Fígado, Centre of Nutrition and Metabolism FMUL, IMM, University Hospital of Santa Maria, Lisbon, Portugal.
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Abstract
Patients who need a new liver usually face a long wait. Some die before a suitable donor is found. Living liver donation is offered routinely in some countries. Should the United Kingdom follow suit?
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Abstract
Chronic alcohol consumption may lead to primary and secondary malnutrition. In particular, protein energy malnutrition not only aggravates alcoholic liver disease but also correlates with impaired liver function and increased mortality. Therefore, in these patients, adequate nutritional support should be implemented in order to improve their prognosis. Clinical trials addressing this issue have shown that nutritional therapy either enterally or parenterally improves various aspects of malnutrition, and there is increasing evidence that it may also improve survival. Therefore, malnourished alcoholics should be administered a diet rich in carbohydrate- and protein-derived calories preferentially via the oral or enteral route. Micronutrient deficiencies typically encountered in alcoholics, such as for thiamine and folate, require specific supplementation. Patients with hepatic encephalopathy may be treated with branched-chain amino acids in order to achieve a positive nitrogen balance. Fatty liver represents the early stage of alcoholic liver disease, which is usually reversible with abstinence. Metadoxine appears to improve fatty liver but confirmatory studies are necessary. S-adenosyl-L-methionine may be helpful for patients with severe alcoholic liver damage, since various mechanisms of alcohol-related hepatotoxicity are counteracted with this essential methyl group donor, while a recent large trial showed that the use of polyenylphosphatidylcholine is of limited efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Stickel
- Department of Medicine I, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany
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