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Aby ES, Pham NV, Yum JJ, Dong TS, Ghasham H, Bedier F, Malley C, Schaenman J, Saab S. Frailty Does Not Impact Caregiver Burden in Patients with Cirrhosis. Dig Dis Sci 2021; 66:3343-3351. [PMID: 33136228 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-020-06687-4] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frailty is common and is associated with increased mortality, lower quality of life, and higher readmission rates in cirrhotic patients. Not only are these outcomes important, but further understanding the impact of frailty on a caregiver's life is crucial to better comprehend caregiver burden in cirrhotic patients and develop strategies to improve care for patients and their caregivers. METHODS A single-center, prospective study was conducted of cirrhotic patients and their caregivers between 4/1/2019 and 11/1/2019. Frailty testing combined aspects from the Fried Frailty Instrument, Short Physical Performance Battery, and activities of daily living. Caregivers completed questionnaires to evaluate caregiver burden using the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI-12), and perceived social support, using the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List. RESULTS In total, 94 cirrhotic patients were included, 50% males with a median age of 63.1 years. The most common etiology of cirrhosis was nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Frailty was prevalent (45.1%). In total, 12.8% of caregivers reported a high burden based on ZBI-12. There was no association between frailty and caregiver burden, hospitalization rates, or death. However, frailty was associated with a higher number of outpatient GI visits (p = 0.002). Lower perceived social support among caregivers was associated with a higher caregiver burden (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Frailty is prevalent in cirrhotic patients but is not associated with higher rates of caregiver burden. Low perceived social support among caregivers, however, was associated with higher caregiver burden. It is important to recognize the impact of caregiver burden on caregivers of cirrhotic patients and ensure caregivers have the appropriate support to mitigate burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S Aby
- Departments of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nguyen V Pham
- Departments of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jung J Yum
- Departments of Surgery, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tien S Dong
- Departments of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hussein Ghasham
- Departments of Surgery, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Fatima Bedier
- Departments of Surgery, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Claire Malley
- Departments of Surgery, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joanna Schaenman
- Departments of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sammy Saab
- Departments of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA. .,Departments of Surgery, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA. .,Pfleger Liver Institute, UCLA Medical Center, 200 Medical Plaza, Suite 214, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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