1
|
Sharma P, Shenoy A, Shroff H, Kwong A, Lim N, Pillai A, Devuni D, Haque LY, Balliet W, Serper M. Management of alcohol-associated liver disease and alcohol use disorder in liver transplant candidates and recipients: Challenges and opportunities. Liver Transpl 2024:01445473-990000000-00343. [PMID: 38471008 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol-associated liver disease poses a significant global health burden, with rising alcohol consumption and prevalence of alcohol use disorder (AUD) contributing to increased morbidity and mortality. This review examines the challenges and opportunities in the care of candidates and recipients of liver transplant (LT) with AUD. Despite advancements in posttransplant patient survival, the risk of disease recurrence and alcohol relapse remains substantial. Several challenges have been identified, including (1) rising disease burden of alcohol-associated liver disease, variable transplant practices, and systemic barriers; (2) disparities in mental health therapy access and the impact on transplant; (3) variable definitions, underdiagnosis, and stigma affecting access to care; and (4) post-LT relapse, its risk factors, and consequential harm. The review focuses on the opportunities to improve AUD care for candidates and recipients of LT through effective biochemical monitoring, behavioral and pharmacologic approaches, creating Centers of Excellence for post-LT AUD care, advocating for policy reforms, and ensuring insurance coverage for necessary services as essential steps toward improving patient outcomes. The review also highlights unmet needs, such as the scarcity of addiction specialists, and calls for further research on personalized behavioral treatments, digital health, and value-based care models to optimize AUD care in the LT setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pratima Sharma
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Akhil Shenoy
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Hersh Shroff
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Allison Kwong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Nicholas Lim
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Anjana Pillai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Deepika Devuni
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lamia Y Haque
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases and Program in Addiction Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Wendy Balliet
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Marina Serper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Segal A, Pearl E, Fatabhoy M, Zohr SJ, Bryce K, Gonzalez HC, Miller-Matero LR. Factors associated with a positive phosphatidylethanol test during liver transplantation evaluation. Clin Transplant 2023; 37:e15100. [PMID: 37577900 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.15100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early identification of alcohol use is crucial for informing recommendations of appropriate follow-up treatment pre-liver transplant and optimizing post-liver transplant outcomes. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether there are psychosocial factors associated with a positive PEth test. METHODS All patients who underwent a routine pre-surgical psychological evaluation for liver transplant listing (all etiologies, including acute liver failure, dual organ, and re-transplantation) at a single health care system in 2020 were included in a retrospective chart review. Data extraction included results from PEth testing and information from the psychological evaluation (i.e., demographic, psychiatric symptoms, and cognitive functioning). RESULTS There were 158 patients (73.8%) who had a PEth test, of whom 21.5% had a positive result (n = 34). Younger age was associated with a positive PEth (p < .001). ALD status and type of ALD (hepatitis vs. cirrhosis) were also associated with a positive PEth test. Other demographic characteristics and psychiatric symptoms were not associated with a positive PEth result (p > .05). CONCLUSION Younger age was the only significant demographic variable associated with a positive PEth test. Given the difficulty of predicting who may be using alcohol, it may be useful to use PEth testing for all patients during the pre-liver transplant evaluation and while patients are listed for liver transplant. Early identification of alcohol use through routine PEth testing will help identify patients who are using alcohol and need further treatment for alcohol use to optimize health and post-transplant outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antú Segal
- Behavioral Health Department, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Transplant Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Elise Pearl
- Behavioral Health Department, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Megha Fatabhoy
- Behavioral Health Department, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Samantha J Zohr
- Behavioral Health Department, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Kelly Bryce
- Behavioral Health Department, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Transplant Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Humberto C Gonzalez
- Transplant Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Lisa R Miller-Matero
- Behavioral Health Department, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Center for Health Policy and Health Services Research, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Durkin C, Bittermann T. Liver transplantation for alcohol-associated hepatitis. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2023; 28:85-94. [PMID: 36512482 PMCID: PMC9992110 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000001044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Early liver transplantation is emerging as a treatment option for severe alcohol-associated hepatitis refractory to pharmacotherapies. This review outlines the current status of transplantation for alcohol-associated hepatitis and the treatment of alcohol use disorder after liver transplantation. RECENT FINDINGS Rates of early liver transplantation for alcohol-associated hepatitis are increasing with significant heterogeneity in practices across the Unites States. Recent studies have demonstrated a substantial survival benefit in patients transplanted for alcohol-associated hepatitis with improved outcomes in early vs. late transplantation, first vs. prior hepatic decompensation, and posttransplant abstinence/delayed relapse vs. early return to alcohol use. Several prediction algorithms have been developed to ascertain patients' risk of alcohol relapse and aid in candidate selection, though data on treatment of alcohol use disorders in transplant recipients remains limited. SUMMARY Although controversial, early liver transplantation for severe alcohol-associated hepatitis has shown to be a lifesaving intervention. Additional research is needed to evaluate its long-term outcomes, optimize candidate selection, and understand treatment of alcohol use disorder posttransplant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Durkin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Therese Bittermann
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fuochi E, Anastasio L, Lynch EN, Campani C, Dragoni G, Milani S, Galli A, Innocenti T. Main factors influencing long-term outcomes of liver transplantation in 2022. World J Hepatol 2023; 15:321-352. [PMID: 37034235 PMCID: PMC10075010 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v15.i3.321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver transplant (LT) outcomes have markedly improved in the recent decades, even if long-term morbidity and mortality are still considerable. Most of late deaths are independent from graft function and different comorbidities, including complications of metabolic syndrome and de novo neoplasms, seem to play a key role in determining long-term outcomes in LT recipients. This review discusses the main factors associated with late mortality and suggests possible strategies to improve long-term management and follow-up after liver transplantation. In particular, the reduction of drug toxicity, the use of tools to identify high-risk patients, and setting up a multidisciplinary team also for long-term management of LT recipients may further improve survival after liver transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Fuochi
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Anastasio
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Erica Nicola Lynch
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Claudia Campani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Gabriele Dragoni
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Stefano Milani
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Andrea Galli
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Tommaso Innocenti
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Fernandez AC, Winder GS, Mellinger J. Early but not easy: recipients' experiences of alcohol-associated liver disease and early transplantation. Liver Transpl 2023. [PMID: 36789649 DOI: 10.1097/LVT.0000000000000102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
|
6
|
Shenoy A, Dienstag A, Dienstag P, Ford L, Schubert E, Wankoff M, Mohan K, Mirza O, Bhardwaj M, Im G. Scoring systems to assess relapse risk in alcohol use disorder presenting for early liver transplantation: A systematic review. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2021; 72:23-30. [PMID: 34229280 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2021.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Early liver transplantation (LT) is considered for patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) despite limited sober time when acute mortality risk from liver disease is high. The objective of this paper is to find psychosocial tools that do not rely on extended sober time and predict alcohol relapse post-LT. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of Pubmed, Embase, and Scopus for studies testing psychosocial tools that used numeric scoring to predict post-LT alcohol relapse. Tools that afforded points for length of sobriety were excluded. Each study was analyzed for its clinical context, post-LT relapse outcomes and predictive validity. RESULTS Five scoring systems across fourteen samples showed varied validity in predicting post-LT alcohol relapse. Relapse to any alcohol use after LT revealed an average relapse rate of 23%. Most scoring systems were understudied but four of five provided cut-off scores with high negative predictive values for relapse. CONCLUSION Scoring systems may have a place in candidate selection but the data on cut-off scores and predictability are still lacking for their use alone in high stakes LT selection. Larger studies with prospective scoring and standardized follow ups for relapse post-LT will better allow the predictive validity of these psychosocial tools to be compared.
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
Severe alcoholic hepatitis portends a high risk of mortality without liver transplantation. Transplant outcomes in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis exhibit a strong inverse association with post-transplant alcohol relapse. The ingredients most central to ameliorating alcohol relapse risk may include destigmatized post-transplant alcohol monitoring, a nonpunitive clinician-patient partnership, and multimodal therapies to maintain abstinence and mitigate high-risk drinking. We here review the core principles of post-liver transplant management specific to alcohol use disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Sheng Ting
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1830 East Monument Street, Suite 431, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Ahmet Gurakar
- Liver Transplant, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross Research Building, Suite 918, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Jason Wheatley
- Department of Social Work, Johns Hopkins Hospital, 600 North Wolfe Street, Carnegie Suite 100, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Geetanjali Chander
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1830 East Monument Street, Room 8047A, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Andrew M Cameron
- Division of Liver Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross 765, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Po-Hung Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1830 East Monument Street, Suite 429, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Barrio P, Marco O, Druetta M, Tardon L, Lligonya A, Wurst FM, Weinmann W, Yegles M, Gual A. Direct Alcohol Biomarkers Prediction Capacity on Relapse and Mortality in Liver Transplantation Candidates: A Follow-Up Study. Transplantology 2021; 2:246-52. [DOI: 10.3390/transplantology2030023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation is a complex procedure that requires multiple evaluations, including abstinence monitorization. While literature assessing the impact of different variables on relapse, survival, and graft loss exists, little is known about the predictive capacity of direct alcohol biomarkers. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the prediction capacity of direct alcohol biomarkers regarding patient survival and clinical relapse. We hypothesized that patients screening positive for any of the experimental biomarkers would show an increased risk of clinical alcohol relapse and death. We conducted a retrospective data recollection from medical files of patients awaiting liver transplantation, who were at baseline screened with Peth, EtG in hair and urine, and EtS. We tested the prediction capacity of the biomarkers with two Cox-regression models. A total of 50 patients were included (84% men, mean age 59 years (SD = 6)). Biomarkers at baseline were positive in 18 patients. The mean follow-up time for this study was 26 months (SD = 10.4). Twelve patients died, liver transplantation was carried out in 12 patients, and clinical relapse was observed in eight patients. The only significant covariate in the Cox-regression models was age with clinical relapse, with younger patients being at greater risk of relapse. This study could not find a significant prediction capacity of direct alcohol biomarkers for mortality or clinical relapse during follow-up. Higher sample sizes might be needed to detect statistically significant differences. All in all, we believe that direct alcohol biomarkers should be widely used in liver transplantation settings due to their high sensitivity for the detection of recent drinking.
Collapse
|
9
|
Arun AC, Ilangovan N, Rajma J. Risk factors for alcohol use relapse after abstinence in patients with alcoholic liver disease. J Family Med Prim Care 2020; 9:5995-5999. [PMID: 33681032 PMCID: PMC7928087 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1401_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In patients with alcoholic liver disease, abstinence from alcohol is an important aspect of treatment. Once abstinence is achieved, the challenge is to avoid relapse of alcohol use. This study aims to analyse the significant risk factors for alcohol relapse thereby identifying the patients with high risk for recidivism to have an early social and medical intervention. METHODOLOGY This was an observational and a retrospective type of study. Patients with chronic liver disease and had alcohol use relapse after abstinence were classified into Group A. Patients who did not have relapse after abstinence were classified into Group B. The two groups were compared for various social and personal and disease related factors. Student "t" test was used for raw data and Chi square test was used for consolidated data to find significant difference between variables. RESULTS Overall nine factors were analysed. The factors which were found to be significant for predicting relapse are quantity of alcohol consumption per week, duration of abstinence, associated smoking, marital status, severity of liver disease (Child-Pugh scoring system). The other factors like age of starting alcohol consumption, duration of alcohol consumption, family history of alcohol intake and MELD score were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION This study identifies the risk factors associated with alcohol relapse in patients with alcoholic liver disease. The data from this study can be used to identify individuals who are high risk for relapse and treat them with pharmacological and psychosocial methods to prevent relapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- AC Arun
- Department of Medical Gastroenterology, Velammal Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Nityashree Ilangovan
- Department of Medical Gastroenterology, Velammal Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jenish Rajma
- Department of Paediatrics, Velammal Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yadav DK, Zhang Q, Bai X, Li E, Liang T. Liver Transplantation for Alcohol-Related Liver Disease (ARLD): An Update on Controversies and Considerations. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 2020:8862152. [PMID: 33014915 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8862152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the recent data from the United Network for Organ Sharing database, alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) accounts to be the most common indication of liver transplantation (LT) waiting lists in the United States among men without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Severe alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is serious and the life-threatening form of ARLD and should be treated timely. However, the LT for severe AH remained to be controversial among the transplant community because of marked interests about the constrained organ supply and the hazard that the AH liver recipient will return to risky drinking. Early LT for ARLD refers for a patient with severe AH undergoing LT who are non-responder to medical treatments. These patients are generally on the existing waiting list but usually followed by 6-month duration of alcohol abstinence. However, the rule of 6-month alcohol abstinence need before the LT is ambiguous. The 6-month alcohol abstinence was consistently defended in light of the compelling fact that it would enable patients to recoup from the intense impacts of alcohol to the liver. In routine, however, the purported "6-month abstinence rule" turned into a surrogate for the forecast of future drinking by ARLD patients for the LT. Careful consideration should be given to the alcohol use disorder of craving and the hazard for recidivism after the LT. As for the current situation, there, urgently, is a specific need of standardized criteria for the evaluation of patients with severe AH for earlier LT. Moreover, further studies are required precisely to develop an accurate prediction model for posttransplant alcohol recidivism. Additionally, development of a standardized protocol for post-LT follow-up and management is further needed. We carefully outlined the published experience with the LT for ARLD in this review.
Collapse
|