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Lee BP, Louvet A. Longitudinal Change of Alcohol Use is a Dynamic Contributor to Steatotic Liver Disease Progression. Gastroenterology 2024; 166:965-967. [PMID: 38555072 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2024.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Institute for Addiction Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Alexandre Louvet
- Service des maladies de l'appareil digestif, Hôpital Huriez, Lille, France.
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Elhence H, Dodge JL, Lee BP. Reply to Choosing a Comparator: Minimizing Baseline Differences Between Groups. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024:S1542-3565(24)00407-5. [PMID: 38705435 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2024.03.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
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
| | - Brian P Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.
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Lee BP, Dodge JL, Terrault NA. Reply: Recognizing the new nomenclature requires a comprehensive analysis of the prevalence, severity, and long-term outlook for SLD and subclassifications. Hepatology 2024; 79:E117-E118. [PMID: 37906684 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Institute for Addiction Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jennifer L Dodge
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Norah A Terrault
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Institute for Addiction Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Lee BP, Dodge JL, Terrault NA. National prevalence estimates for steatotic liver disease and subclassifications using consensus nomenclature. Hepatology 2024; 79:666-673. [PMID: 37732946 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The multisociety consensus nomenclature has renamed NAFLD to steatotic liver disease (SLD) with various subclassifications. There is a paucity of data regarding how the new nomenclature modifies our understanding of disease prevalence and patient phenotypes. APPROACH AND RESULTS Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from January 2017 to March 2020, we included all participants aged 18 years or above with complete vibration-controlled transient elastography measures. SLD and its subclassifications [metabolic dysfunction-associated SLD (MASLD), MASLD + increased alcohol intake (MetALD), alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), etiology-specific/cryptogenic] were defined according to consensus nomenclature. National SLD prevalence and subclassifications were estimated, and among key subgroups [age, sex, race/ethnicity, advanced liver fibrosis (liver stiffness measurement [LSM] ≥11.7 kPa)]. Among 7367 participants, 2549 had SLD (mean age 51 y, 57.7% male, 63.2% non-Hispanic White). The estimated prevalence of SLD was 34.2% (95% CI 31.9%-36.5%): MASLD 31.3% (29.2%-33.4%), MetALD 2% (1.6%-2.9%), ALD 0.7% (0.5-0.9%), etiology-specific/cryptogenic 0.03% (0.01%-0.08%). In exploratory analyses, participants classified as non-SLD with (vs. without) advanced fibrosis had a higher mean number of metabolic risk factors [2.7 (2.3-3.1) vs. 2.0 (1.9-2.0)] and a higher proportion with average alcohol use ≥20 g/d (women)/≥30 g/d (men) [20.9% (6.2%-51.3%) vs. 7.2% (6.1%-8.4%)]. In another exploratory analysis, increasing quantities of alcohol use remaining below the threshold for MASLD + increased alcohol intake were associated with advanced liver fibrosis in men, but not women. There was 99% overlap in cases of NAFLD and MASLD. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the utility of the new consensus nomenclature to address deficiencies present with the old nomenclature, and identify areas that require research to further refine classifications of SLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Institute for Addiction Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jennifer L Dodge
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Norah A Terrault
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Institute for Addiction Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Lim WH, Tay P, Ng CH, Tan DJH, Ong C, Koh JH, Teng M, Chee D, Wong ZY, Kawaguchi T, Takahashi H, Muthiah M, Tan EXX, Wijarnpreecha K, Lee GH, Noureddin M, Lee BP, Mathurin P, Loomba R, Huang DQ. Meta-analysis: Prevalence and impact of alcohol abstinence in alcohol-associated cirrhosis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2024; 59:730-741. [PMID: 38303565 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17888] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although alcohol abstinence may be an effective intervention for alcohol-associated cirrhosis, its association with prognosis has not been systematically assessed or quantified. AIMS To determine the prevalence of alcohol abstinence, factors associated with alcohol abstinence and the impact of abstinence on morbidity and overall survival in people with alcohol-associated cirrhosis. METHODS We searched Medline and Embase from inception to 15 April 2023 for prospective and retrospective cohort studies describing alcohol abstinence in people with known alcohol-associated cirrhosis. Meta-analysis of proportions for pooled estimates was performed. The method of inverse variance, employing a random-effects model, was used to pool the hazard ratio (HR) comparing outcomes of abstinent against non-abstinent individuals with alcohol-associated cirrhosis. RESULTS We included 19 studies involving 18,833 people with alcohol-associated cirrhosis. The prevalence of alcohol abstinence was 53.8% (CI: 44.6%-62.7%). Over a mean follow-up duration of 48.6 months, individuals who continued to consume alcohol had significantly lower overall survival compared to those who were abstinent (HR: 0.611, 95% CI: 0.506-0.738). These findings remained consistent in sensitivity/subgroup analysis for the presence of decompensation, study design and studies that assessed abstinence throughout follow-up. Alcohol abstinence was associated with a significantly lower risk of hepatic decompensation (HR: 0.612, 95% CI: 0.473-0.792). CONCLUSIONS Alcohol abstinence is associated with substantial improvement in overall survival in alcohol-associated cirrhosis. However, only half of the individuals with known alcohol-associated cirrhosis are abstinent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Hui Lim
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Phoebe Tay
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Cheng Han Ng
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Darren Jun Hao Tan
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Christen Ong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jia Hong Koh
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- National University Centre for Organ Transplantation, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Margaret Teng
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- National University Centre for Organ Transplantation, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Douglas Chee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zhen Yu Wong
- School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Takumi Kawaguchi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | | - Mark Muthiah
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- National University Centre for Organ Transplantation, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Eunice X X Tan
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- National University Centre for Organ Transplantation, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Karn Wijarnpreecha
- Department of Internal Medicine, Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown, New York, USA
| | - Guan Huei Lee
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- National University Centre for Organ Transplantation, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Brian P Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Philippe Mathurin
- Service des Maladies de l'appareil Digestif, Hôpital Huriez, CHU, Lille, France
| | - Rohit Loomba
- NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Daniel Q Huang
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- National University Centre for Organ Transplantation, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
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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.
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Cullaro G, Ge J, Lee BP, Lai JC, Wadhwani SI. Association between neighborhood-based material deprivation and liver transplant waitlist registrants demographics and mortality. Clin Transplant 2024; 38:e15189. [PMID: 37937349 PMCID: PMC10842435 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.15189] [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] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Liver transplantation for alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) has increased. We examined temporal trends in ARLD listing practices by neighborhood deprivation and evaluated the impact of neighborhood deprivation on waitlist mortality. METHODS We included all adults > 18 years listed 2008-2019 in the UNOS registry. Our primary exposure was the neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation index based on patients' listing zip codes. We determined temporal trends in an ARLD listing diagnosis. We modeled ARLD listing diagnosis using logistic regression and waitlist mortality using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS The waitlist contained an increasing proportion of patients listed with ARLD over the study period; however, this rate increased the least for patients from the most deprived tertile (p < .001). Patients from the most deprived tertile were the least likely to be listed with ARLD (OR: .97, 95CI: .95-.98). In our adjusted model, patients from the most deprived tertile had an increased hazard of waitlist mortality (OR: 1.10, 95CI: 1.06-1.14). CONCLUSION Neighborhood deprivation was associated with a decreased likelihood of being listed with ARLD, suggesting that transplant for ARLD is inequitably available. The increased mortality associated with neighborhood deprivation demands future work to uncover the underlying reasons for this disparity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Cullaro
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jin Ge
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Brian P Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer C. Lai
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sharad I Wadhwani
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Ayyala-Somayajula D, Dodge JL, Farias A, Terrault N, Lee BP. Healthcare affordability and effects on mortality among adults with liver disease from 2004 to 2018 in the United States. J Hepatol 2023; 79:329-339. [PMID: 36996942 PMCID: PMC10524480 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Liver disease is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, likely incurring financial distress (i.e. healthcare affordability and accessibility issues), although long-term national-level data are limited. METHODS Using the National Health Interview Survey from 2004 to 2018, we categorised adults based on report of liver disease and other chronic conditions linked to mortality data from the National Death Index. We estimated age-adjusted proportions of adults reporting healthcare affordability and accessibility issues. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox regression were used to assess the association of liver disease with financial distress and financial distress with all-cause mortality, respectively. RESULTS Among adults with liver disease (n = 19,407) vs. those without liver disease (n = 996,352), those with cancer history (n = 37,225), those with emphysema (n = 7,937), and those with coronary artery disease (n = 21,510), the age-adjusted proportion reporting healthcare affordability issues for medical services was 29.9% (95% CI 29.7-30.1%) vs. 18.1% (95% CI 18.0-18.3%), 26.5% (95% CI 26.3-26.7%), 42.2% (95% CI 42.1-42.4%), and 31.6% (31.5-31.8%), respectively, and for medications: 15.5% (95% CI 15.4-15.6%) vs. 8.2% (95% CI 8.1-8.3%), 14.8% (95% CI 14.7-14.9%), 26.1% (95% CI 26.0-26.2%), and 20.6% (95% CI 20.5-20.7%), respectively. In multivariable analysis, liver disease (vs. without liver disease, vs. cancer history, vs. emphysema, and vs. coronary artery disease) was associated with inability to afford medical services (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.84, 95% CI 1.77-1.92; aOR 1.32, 95% CI 1.25-1.40; aOR 0.91, 95% CI 0.84-0.98; and aOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.04-1.19, respectively) and medications (aOR 1.92, 95% CI 1.82-2.03; aOR 1.24, 95% CI 1.14-1.33; aOR 0.81, 95% CI 0.74-0.90; and aOR 0.94, 95% CI 0.86-1.02, respectively), delays in medical care (aOR 1.77, 95% CI 1.69-1.87; aOR 1.14, 95% CI 1.06-1.22; aOR 0.88, 95% CI 0.79-0.97; and aOR 1.05, 95% CI 0.97-1.14, respectively), and not receiving the needed medical care (aOR 1.86, 95% CI 1.76-1.96; aOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.07-1.26; aOR 0.89, 95% CI 0.80-0.99; aOR 1.06, 95% CI 0.96-1.16, respectively). In multivariable analysis, among adults with liver disease, financial distress (vs. without financial distress) was associated with increased all-cause mortality (aHR 1.24, 95% CI 1.01-1.53). CONCLUSIONS Adults with liver disease face greater financial distress than adults without liver disease and adults with cancer history. Financial distress is associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality among adults with liver disease. Interventions to improve healthcare affordability should be prioritised in this population. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Adults with liver disease use many medical services, but long-term national studies regarding the financial repercussions and the effects on mortality for such patients are lacking. This study shows that adults with liver disease are more likely to face issues affording medical services and prescription medication, experience delays in medical care, and needing but not obtaining medical care owing to cost, compared with adults without liver disease, adults with cancer history, are equally likely as adults with coronary artery disease, and less likely than adults with emphysema-patients with liver disease who face these issues are at increased risk of death. This study provides the impetus for medical providers and policymakers to prioritise interventions to improve healthcare affordability for adults with liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Ayyala-Somayajula
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer L Dodge
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Albert Farias
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Norah Terrault
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Brian P Lee
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
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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
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10
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Lee BP, Terrault NA. Liver transplantation for alcohol-associated liver disease: A call for national standards of best practices to monitor and bridge disparities in access and outcomes. Am J Transplant 2023; 23:1097-1101. [PMID: 37023857 PMCID: PMC10524758 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2023.03.026] [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] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Early (ie, without a mandated abstinence period) liver transplantation for alcohol-associated liver disease is the fastest-growing indication for liver transplantation in the United States. Despite widespread adoption, there is no standardization of practice or policies across transplant centers, nor are there any quality metrics from regulatory organizations specific to alcohol, all of which have likely contributed to confirmed disparities in transplant access and patient outcomes. In this article, we propose new mandates and best practices that could be put forth by the organ procurement and transplantation network regarding processes related to candidate selection, monitoring of alcohol use, and services to prevent and treat harmful alcohol use among early transplant candidates and recipients. We hope that this article stimulates discussion and leads to policy changes to maximize equity and quality of transplant care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Norah A Terrault
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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11
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, and Institute for Addiction Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jennifer L Dodge
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases and Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
| | - Wendy J Mack
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
| | - Adam M Leventhal
- Institute for Addiction Science, University of Southern California, and Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
| | - Norah A Terrault
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, and Institute for Addiction Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
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12
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Lee BP, Dodge JL, Terrault NA. Geographic Density of Gastroenterologists Is Associated With Decreased Mortality From Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 21:1542-1551.e6. [PMID: 35934291 PMCID: PMC10015926 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2022.07.020] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is the leading cause of liver-related mortality and has been increasing. To inform public health efforts to address the growing incidence of ALD, we assessed the association of geographic density of gastroenterologists with ALD-related mortality. METHODS National data were obtained for adults aged ≥25 years with state-level demographics and 2010-2019 mortality estimates by linking federally maintained registries (WONDER, NSSATS, BRFSS, HRSA, US Census Bureau). Multivariable linear regression was used to assess the association of state-level geographic density of gastroenterologists with ALD-related mortality, adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and other potential confounders. RESULTS Among 50 states and the District of Columbia, the national mean geographic density of gastroenterologists was 4.6 per 100,000 population, and annual ALD-related mortality rate was 85.6 per 1,000,000 population. There was greater than 5-fold differences in geographic density of gastroenterologists and ALD-related mortality across states. In multivariable analysis, the geographic density of gastroenterologists was significantly associated with lower ALD-related mortality (9.0 [95% confidence interval, 1.3-16.7] fewer ALD-related deaths per 1,000,000 population for each additional gastroenterologist per 100,000 population). The association appeared to peak at a threshold of ≥7.5 gastroenterologists per 100,000 population. We estimated that differences in geographic density of gastroenterologists across states may potentially represent 40% of national ALD-related mortality. Exploratory analyses to assess for confounding by generalized subspecialty care, transplant access, alcohol taxation, and substance use or mental health services, including negative control analyses, did not affect primary results. CONCLUSIONS State-level geographic density of gastroenterologists is associated with lower ALD-related mortality. These results may inform medical societies and health policymakers to address anticipated workforce gaps to address the growing epidemic of ALD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Jennifer L Dodge
- Division of Research Medicine and Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Norah A Terrault
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
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13
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Hsu CC, Dodge JL, Weinberg E, Im G, Ko J, Davis W, Rutledge S, Dukewich M, Shoreibah M, Aryan M, Vosooghi A, Lucey M, Rice J, Terrault NA, Lee BP. Multicentered study of patient outcomes after declined for early liver transplantation in severe alcohol-associated hepatitis. Hepatology 2023; 77:1253-1262. [PMID: 36651183 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early liver transplantation for alcohol-associated hepatitis is controversial in part because patients may recover, and obviate the need for liver transplantation. METHODS In this retrospective study among 5 ACCELERATE-AH sites, we randomly sampled patients evaluated and then declined for liver transplantation for alcohol-associated hepatitis. All had Model of End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) >20 and <6 months of abstinence. Recompensation was defined as MELD <15 without variceal bleeding, ascites, or overt HE requiring treatment. Multilevel mixed effects linear regression was used to calculate probabilities of recompensation; multivariable Cox regression was used for mortality analyses. RESULTS Among 145 patients [61% men; median abstinence time and MELD-Na was 33 days (interquartile range: 13-70) and 31 (interquartile range: 26-36), respectively], 56% were declined for psychosocial reasons. Probability of 30-day, 90-day, 6-month, and 1-year survival were 76% (95% CI, 68%-82%), 59% (95% CI, 50%-66%), 49% (95% CI, 40%-57%), and 46% (95% CI, 37%-55%), respectively. Probability of 1-year recompensation was low at 10.0% (95% CI, 4.5%-15.4%). Among patients declined because of clinical improvement, 1-year probability of recompensation was 28.0% (95% CI, 5.7%-50.3%). Among survivors, median MELD-Na at 30 days, 90 days, and 1-year were 29 (interquartile range: 22-38), 19 (interquartile range : 14-29), and 11 (interquartile range : 7-17). Increased MELD-Na (adjusted HR: 1.13, p <0.001) and age (adjusted HR: 1.03, p <0.001) were associated with early (≤90 d) death, and only history of failed alcohol rehabilitation (adjusted HR: 1.76, p =0.02) was associated with late death. CONCLUSIONS Liver recompensation is infrequent among severe alcohol-associated hepatitis patients declined for liver transplantation. Higher MELD-Na and age were associated with short-term mortality, whereas only history of failed alcohol rehabilitation was associated with long-term mortality. The distinction between survival and liver recompensation merits further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine C Hsu
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jennifer L Dodge
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ethan Weinberg
- University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gene Im
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Jimin Ko
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - William Davis
- Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | | | - Matthew Dukewich
- University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mohamed Shoreibah
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham Alabama, USA
| | - Mahmoud Aryan
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham Alabama, USA
| | - Aidan Vosooghi
- University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Michael Lucey
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - John Rice
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Norah A Terrault
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Brian P Lee
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
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14
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Lee BP, Dodge JL, Terrault NA. Liver transplant for alcohol-associated liver disease continues to rise 2 years into the COVID-19 pandemic especially among young adults. J Hepatol 2023; 78:e139-e141. [PMID: 36567054 PMCID: PMC9773781 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Jennifer L Dodge
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Norah A Terrault
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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15
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Lee BP, Terrault NA. Advocacy for Equity in Transplantation Access for Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease: How Research Changed Medi-Cal Policy. Gastroenterology 2022; 163:539-542. [PMID: 35577123 PMCID: PMC10361648 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2022.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Lee
- Department of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
| | - Norah A Terrault
- Department of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
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16
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Mueller PP, Chen Q, Ayer T, Nemutlu GS, Hajjar A, Bethea ED, Peters MLB, Lee BP, Janjua NZ, Kanwal F, Chhatwal J. Duration and cost-effectiveness of hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance in hepatitis C patients after viral eradication. J Hepatol 2022; 77:55-62. [PMID: 35157959 PMCID: PMC9618359 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [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: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Successful treatment of chronic hepatitis C with oral direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) leads to virological cure, however, the subsequent risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) persists. Our objective was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of biannual surveillance for HCC in patients cured of hepatitis C and the optimal age to stop surveillance. METHODS We developed a microsimulation model of the natural history of HCC in individuals with hepatitis C and advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis who achieved virological cure with oral DAAs. We used published data on HCC incidence, tumor progression, real-world HCC surveillance adherence, and costs and utilities of different health states. We compared biannual HCC surveillance using ultrasound and alpha-fetoprotein for varying durations of surveillance (from 5 years to lifetime) vs. no surveillance. RESULTS In virologically cured patients with cirrhosis, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of biannual surveillance remained below $150,000 per additional quality-adjusted life year (QALY) (range: $79,500-$94,800) when surveillance was stopped at age 70, irrespective of the starting age (40-65). Compared with no surveillance, surveillance detected 130 additional HCCs in 'very early'/early stage and yielded 51 additional QALYs per 1,000 patients with cirrhosis. In virologically cured patients with advanced fibrosis, the ICER of biannual surveillance remained below $150,000/QALY (range: $124,600-$129,800) when surveillance was stopped at age 60, irrespective of the starting age (40-50). Compared with no surveillance, surveillance detected 24 additional HCCs in 'very early'/early stage and yielded 12 additional QALYs per 1,000 patients with advanced fibrosis. CONCLUSION Biannual surveillance for HCC in patients cured of hepatitis C is cost-effective until the age of 70 for patients with cirrhosis, and until the age of 60 for patients with stable advanced fibrosis. LAY SUMMARY Individuals who are cured of hepatitis C using oral antiviral drugs remain at risk of developing liver cancer. The value of lifelong screening for liver cancer in these individuals is not known. By simulating the life course of hepatitis C cured individuals, we found that ultrasound-based biannual screening for liver cancer is cost-effective up to age 70 in those with cirrhosis and up to age 60 in those with stable advanced fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter P. Mueller
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Qiushi Chen
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA;,Harold and Inge Marcus Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Turgay Ayer
- H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gizem S. Nemutlu
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ali Hajjar
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emily D. Bethea
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA;,Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mary Linton B. Peters
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA;,Division of Medical Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brian P. Lee
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Naveed Z. Janjua
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada;,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Fasiha Kanwal
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA;,Houston Veterans Affairs Health Services Research and Development Center of Excellence, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jagpreet Chhatwal
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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17
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Lee BP, Roth N, Rao P, Im GY, Vogel AS, Hasbun J, Roth Y, Shenoy A, Arvelakis A, Ford L, Dawe I, Schiano TD, Davis JP, Rice JP, Eswaran S, Weinberg E, Han H, Hsu C, Fix OK, Maddur H, Ghobrial RM, Therapondos G, Dilkina B, Terrault NA. Artificial intelligence to identify harmful alcohol use after early liver transplant for alcohol-associated hepatitis. Am J Transplant 2022; 22:1834-1841. [PMID: 35416409 PMCID: PMC9541176 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.17059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [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: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Early liver transplantation (LT) for alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) is the fastest growing indication for LT, but prediction of harmful alcohol use post-LT remains limited. Among 10 ACCELERATE-AH centers, we examined psychosocial evaluations from consecutive LT recipients for AH from 2006 to 2017. A multidisciplinary panel used content analysis to develop a maximal list of psychosocial variables. We developed an artificial intelligence model to predict post-LT harmful alcohol use. The cohort included training (N = 91 among 8 centers) and external validation (N = 25 among 2 centers) sets, with median follow-up of 4.4 (IQR 3.0-6.0) years post-LT. In the training set, AUC was 0.930 (95%CI 0.862-0.998) with positive predictive value of 0.891 (95%CI 0.620-1.000), internally validated through fivefold cross-validation. In the external validation set, AUC was 0.692 (95%CI 0.666-0.718) with positive predictive value of 0.82 (95%CI 0.625-1.000). The model identified specific variables related to social support and substance use as highly important to predict post-LT harmful alcohol use. We retrospectively developed and validated a model that identified psychosocial profiles at LT predicting harmful alcohol use post-LT for AH. This preliminary model may inform selection and post-LT management for AH and warrants prospective evaluation in larger studies among all alcohol-associated liver disease being considered for early LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P. Lee
- University of Southern California Keck School of MedicineLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Prathik Rao
- University of Southern California Keck School of MedicineLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Gene Y. Im
- Mount Sinai Icahn School of MedicineNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | | | - Johann Hasbun
- New York University Grossman School of MedicineNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Yoel Roth
- Twitter IncSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Akhil Shenoy
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and SurgeonsNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | | | - Laura Ford
- Mount Sinai Icahn School of MedicineNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Inga Dawe
- Mount Sinai Icahn School of MedicineNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | | | - Jordan P. Davis
- University of Southern California Keck School of MedicineLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | | | | | - Ethan Weinberg
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of MedicinePhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Hyosun Han
- University of Southern California Keck School of MedicineLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Christine Hsu
- Georgetown School of MedicineWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
| | - Oren K. Fix
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of MedicineChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Haripriya Maddur
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | | | | | - Bistra Dilkina
- University of Southern California Keck School of MedicineLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Norah A. Terrault
- University of Southern California Keck School of MedicineLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
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18
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Leventhal AM, Cho J, Ray LA, Liccardo Pacula R, Lee BP, Terrault N, Pedersen E, Lee JO, Davis JP, Jin H, Huh J, Wilson JP, Whaley RC. Alcohol use trajectories among U.S. adults during the first 42 weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2022; 46:1062-1072. [PMID: 35532741 PMCID: PMC9246926 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background This study characterized the prevalence, drinking patterns, and sociodemographic characteristics of U.S. adult subpopulations with distinct drinking trajectories during the COVID‐19 pandemic's first 42 weeks. Methods Adult respondents (n = 8130) in a nationally representative prospective longitudinal study completed 21 biweekly web surveys (March 2020 to January 2021). Past‐week alcohol drinking frequency (drinking days [range: 0 to 7]) and intensity (binge drinking on usual past‐week drinking day [yes/no]) were assessed at each timepoint. Growth mixture models identified multiple subpopulations with homogenous drinking trajectories based on mean drinking days or binge drinking proportional probabilities across time. Results Four drinking frequency trajectories were identified: Minimal/stable (72.8% [95% CI = 71.8 to 73.8]) with <1 mean past‐week drinking days throughout; Moderate/late decreasing (6.7% [95% CI = 6.2 to 7.3) with 3.13 mean March drinking days and reductions during summer, reaching 2.12 days by January 2021; Moderate/early increasing (12.9% [95% CI = 12.2 to 13.6) with 2.13 mean March drinking days that increased in April and then plateaued, ending with 3.20 mean days in January 2021; and Near daily/early increasing (7.6% [95% CI = 7.0 to 8.2]) with 5.58 mean March drinking days that continued increasing without returning to baseline. Four drinking intensity trajectories were identified: Minimal/stable (85.8% [95% CI = 85.0% to 86.5%]) with <0.01 binge drinking probabilities throughout; Low‐to‐moderate/fluctuating (7.4% [95% CI = 6.8% to 8%]) with varying binge probabilities across timepoints (range:0.12 to 0.26); Moderate/mid increasing (4.2% [95% CI = 3.7% to 4.6%]) with 0.39 April binge drinking probability rising to 0.65 during August–September without returning to baseline; High/early increasing trajectory (2.7% [95% CI = 2.3% to 3%]) with 0.84 binge drinking probability rising to 0.96 by June without returning to baseline. Males, Whites, middle‐aged/older adults, college degree recipients, those consistently working, and those above the poverty limit were overrepresented in various increasing (vs. minimal/stable) frequency trajectories. Males, Whites, nonmarried, those without college degree, 18 to 39‐year‐olds, and middle aged were overrepresented in increasing (vs. minimal/stable) intensity trajectories. Conclusions Several distinct U.S. adult sociodemographic subpopulations appear to have acquired new drinking patterns during the pandemic's first 42 weeks. Frequent alcohol use assessment in the COVID‐19 era could improve personalized medicine and population health efforts to reduce drinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam M Leventhal
- Institute for Addiction Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of Southern California Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Junhan Cho
- Institute for Addiction Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Lara A Ray
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Rosalie Liccardo Pacula
- Institute for Addiction Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Leonard D Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics and USC Price School for Public Policy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Brian P Lee
- Institute for Addiction Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Norah Terrault
- Institute for Addiction Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Eric Pedersen
- Institute for Addiction Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jungeun Olivia Lee
- Institute for Addiction Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jordan P Davis
- Institute for Addiction Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Haomiao Jin
- Institute for Addiction Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Center for Economic and Social Research, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jimi Huh
- Institute for Addiction Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - John P Wilson
- Institute for Addiction Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Spatial Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Reid C Whaley
- Institute for Addiction Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
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19
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Lee BP, Cullaro G, Vosooghi A, Yao F, Panchal S, Goldberg DS, Terrault NA, Mahmud N. Discordance in categorization of acute-on-chronic liver failure in the United Network for Organ Sharing database. J Hepatol 2022; 76:1122-1126. [PMID: 35074470 PMCID: PMC9018597 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.12.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Studies regarding acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) among liver transplant (LT) candidates from the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database are being used to inform LT policy changes worldwide. We assessed the validity of identifying ACLF in UNOS. METHODS We performed stratified random sampling among 3 US LT centers between 2013-2019 to obtain a representative patient sample across ACLF grades. We compared the concordance of ACLF classification by UNOS vs. blinded manual chart review, according to EASL-CLIF. RESULTS Among 481 sampled LT registrants, 250 (52%) had no ACLF, 75 (16%) had ACLF grade 1, 79 (16%) had ACLF grade 2, and 77 (16%) had ACLF grade 3 per UNOS categorization. Concordance of ACLF grade by UNOS vs. chart review was: 72%, 64%, 56%, and 64% for no ACLF, grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3, respectively, with an overall Cohen's kappa coefficient of 0.48 (95% CI 0.42-0.54). Absence of acute decompensation was the most common reason for overestimation, and discordant brain and respiratory failure categorization were the most common reasons for underestimation of ACLF by UNOS. CONCLUSIONS In this retrospective multi-center study, ACLF categorization by UNOS showed weak agreement with manual chart review. These findings are informative for ongoing allocation policy discussions, highlight the importance of prospective studies regarding ACLF in LT, and should encourage UNOS reform. LAY SUMMARY Acute-on-chronic-liver-failure (ACLF) is a specific and common form of liver failure associated with high death rates. Studies have been published using the United States transplant registry (UNOS) to identify and describe outcomes of transplant candidates and recipients with ACLF, and these data are driving policy changes for transplant allocation around the world, but nobody has shown whether these data are reliable. We found that UNOS was not categorizing ACLF in concordance or accurately when compared to chart review, which shows the need for UNOS reform and non-UNOS studies to appropriately inform policies regarding the transplantation of patients with ACLF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Lee
- University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
| | - Giuseppe Cullaro
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Aidan Vosooghi
- University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Frederick Yao
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Sarjukumar Panchal
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - David S Goldberg
- University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Norah A Terrault
- University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Nadim Mahmud
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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20
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Kwan AC, Wei J, Lee BP, Luong E, Salto G, Nguyen TT, Botting PG, Liu Y, Ouyang D, Ebinger JE, Li D, Noureddin M, Thomson L, Berman DS, Merz CNB, Cheng S. Subclinical hepatic fibrosis is associated with coronary microvascular dysfunction by myocardial perfusion reserve index: a retrospective cohort study. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2022; 38:10.1007/s10554-022-02546-7. [PMID: 35107770 PMCID: PMC9343468 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-022-02546-7] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The heart-liver axis is of growing importance. Previous studies have identified independent association of liver dysfunction and fibrosis with adverse cardiac outcomes, but mechanistic pathways remain uncertain. We sought to understand the relations between the degree of hepatic fibrosis identified by the Fibrosis-4 (Fib-4) risk score and comprehensive cardiac MRI (CMR) measures of subclinical cardiac disease. We conducted a retrospective single-center cohort study of patients between 2011 and 2021. We identified consecutive patients who underwent a comprehensive CMR imaging protocol including contrast enhanced with stress/rest perfusion, and lacked pre-existing cardiovascular disease or perfusion abnormalities on CMR. We examined the association of hepatic fibrosis, using the Fib-4 score, with subclinical cardiac disease on CMR while adjusting for cardiometabolic traits. Given known associations of hepatic disease and coronary microvascular dysfunction, we prioritized analyses with the myocardial perfusion reserve index (MPRI), a marker of coronary microvascular function. Of the 66 patients in our study cohort, 54 were female (81%) and the mean age was 53.7 ± 15.3 years. We found that higher Fib-4 was associated with reduction in the MPRI (β [SE] - 1.12 [0.46], P = 0.02), after adjusting for cardiometabolic risk factors. Importantly, Fib-4 was not significantly associated with any other CMR phenotypes including measures of cardiac remodeling, inflammation, fibrosis, or dysfunction. We found evidence that hepatic fibrosis associated with coronary microvascular dysfunction, in the absence of overt associations with any other subclinical cardiac disease measures. These findings highlight a potentially important precursor pathway leading to development of subsequent heart-liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan C Kwan
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, and Department of Imaging, Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Smidt Heart Institute Department of Cardiology, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, 127 S San Vicente Blvd #A3600, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA.
| | - Janet Wei
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, and Department of Imaging, Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Smidt Heart Institute Department of Cardiology, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, 127 S San Vicente Blvd #A3600, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Brian P Lee
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Eric Luong
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, and Department of Imaging, Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Smidt Heart Institute Department of Cardiology, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, 127 S San Vicente Blvd #A3600, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Gerran Salto
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, and Department of Imaging, Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Smidt Heart Institute Department of Cardiology, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, 127 S San Vicente Blvd #A3600, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Trevor-Trung Nguyen
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, and Department of Imaging, Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Smidt Heart Institute Department of Cardiology, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, 127 S San Vicente Blvd #A3600, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Patrick G Botting
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, and Department of Imaging, Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Smidt Heart Institute Department of Cardiology, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, 127 S San Vicente Blvd #A3600, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Yunxian Liu
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, and Department of Imaging, Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Smidt Heart Institute Department of Cardiology, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, 127 S San Vicente Blvd #A3600, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - David Ouyang
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, and Department of Imaging, Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Smidt Heart Institute Department of Cardiology, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, 127 S San Vicente Blvd #A3600, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Joseph E Ebinger
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, and Department of Imaging, Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Smidt Heart Institute Department of Cardiology, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, 127 S San Vicente Blvd #A3600, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Debiao Li
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, and Department of Imaging, Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Smidt Heart Institute Department of Cardiology, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, 127 S San Vicente Blvd #A3600, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Mazen Noureddin
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, and Department of Imaging, Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Smidt Heart Institute Department of Cardiology, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, 127 S San Vicente Blvd #A3600, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Louise Thomson
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, and Department of Imaging, Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Smidt Heart Institute Department of Cardiology, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, 127 S San Vicente Blvd #A3600, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Daniel S Berman
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, and Department of Imaging, Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Smidt Heart Institute Department of Cardiology, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, 127 S San Vicente Blvd #A3600, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - C Noel Bairey Merz
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, and Department of Imaging, Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Smidt Heart Institute Department of Cardiology, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, 127 S San Vicente Blvd #A3600, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Susan Cheng
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, and Department of Imaging, Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Smidt Heart Institute Department of Cardiology, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, 127 S San Vicente Blvd #A3600, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
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21
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Lee BP, Im GY, Rice JP, Lazar A, Weinberg E, Han H, Maddur H, Ghobrial RM, Therapondos G, Hsu C, Fix OK, Eswaran S, Shetty K, Chhatwal J, Dalgic OO, Jakhete N, Mobley C, Victor DW, Mehta N, Dinges L, Rinella M, Schiano TD, Lucey MR, Terrault N. Patterns of Alcohol Use After Early Liver Transplantation for Alcoholic Hepatitis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 20:409-418.e5. [PMID: 33279780 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2020.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [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: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Early liver transplantation (LT) for alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is lifesaving but concerns regarding return to harmful alcohol use remain. We sought to identify distinct patterns of alcohol use post-LT to inform pre-LT candidate selection and post-LT addiction care. METHODS Detailed post-LT alcohol use data was gathered retrospectively from consecutive patients with severe AH at 11 ACCELERATE-AH sites from 2006-2018. Latent class analysis identified longitudinal patterns of alcohol use post-LT. Logistic and Cox regression evaluated associations between patterns of alcohol use with pre-LT variables and post-LT survival. A microsimulation model estimated the effect of selection criteria on overall outcomes. RESULTS Of 153 LT recipients, 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival were 95%, 88% and 82%. Of 146 LT recipients surviving to home discharge, 4 distinct longitudinal patterns of post-LT alcohol use were identified: Pattern 1 [abstinent](n = 103; 71%), pattern 2 [late/non-heavy](n = 9; 6.2%), pattern 3 [early/non-heavy](n = 22; 15%), pattern 4 [early/heavy](n = 12; 8.2%). One-year survival was similar among the 4 patterns (100%), but patients with early post-LT alcohol use had lower 5-year survival (62% and 53%) compared to abstinent and late/non-heavy patterns (95% and 100%). Early alcohol use patterns were associated with younger age, multiple prior rehabilitation attempts, and overt encephalopathy. In simulation models, the pattern of post-LT alcohol use changed the average life-expectancy after early LT for AH. CONCLUSIONS A significant majority of LT recipients for AH maintain longer-term abstinence, but there are distinct patterns of alcohol use associated with higher risk of 3- and 5-year mortality. Pre-LT characteristics are associated with post-LT alcohol use patterns and may inform candidate selection and post-LT addiction care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Lee
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Gene Y Im
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - John P Rice
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin.
| | - Ann Lazar
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Ethan Weinberg
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Hyosun Han
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Haripriya Maddur
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - R Mark Ghobrial
- Weil Cornell College of Medicine, Sherrie and Alan Conover Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - George Therapondos
- Ochsner Clinical School of Medicine, Ochsner Clinic, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Christine Hsu
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Oren K Fix
- Swedish Organ Transplant and Liver Center, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Sheila Eswaran
- Department of Medicine, Rush Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Kirti Shetty
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jag Chhatwal
- Institute of Technology Assessment, Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ozden O Dalgic
- Institute of Technology Assessment, Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Neha Jakhete
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Constance Mobley
- Weil Cornell College of Medicine, Sherrie and Alan Conover Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - David W Victor
- Weil Cornell College of Medicine, Sherrie and Alan Conover Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Neil Mehta
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Lisanne Dinges
- Swedish Organ Transplant and Liver Center, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Mary Rinella
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Michael R Lucey
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Norah Terrault
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.
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22
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Ang BFH, Mohan PC, Png MA, Allen JC, Howe TS, Koh JSB, Lee BP, Morrey BF. Ultrasonic Percutaneous Tenotomy for Recalcitrant Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy: Clinical and Sonographic Results at 90 Months: Response. Am J Sports Med 2022; 50:NP10-NP11. [PMID: 35137635 DOI: 10.1177/03635465211049381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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23
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Lee BP, Dodge JL, Terrault NA. Medicaid expansion and variability in mortality in the USA: a national, observational cohort study. The Lancet Public Health 2022; 7:e48-e55. [PMID: 34863364 PMCID: PMC10122976 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(21)00252-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The expansion of the Medicaid public health insurance programme has varied by state in the USA. Longer-term mortality and factors associated with variability in outcomes after Medicaid expansion are under-studied. We aimed to investigate the association of state Medicaid expansion with all-cause mortality. METHODS This was a population-based, national, observational cohort study capturing all reported deaths among adults aged 25-64 years via death certificate data in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) database in the USA from Jan 1, 2010, to Dec 31, 2018. We obtained national demographic and mortality data for adults aged 25-64 years, and state-level demographics and 2010-18 mortality estimates for the overall population by linking federally maintained registries (CDC WONDER, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, Health Resources and Services Administration, US Census Bureau, and Bureau of Labor Statistics). States were categorised as Medicaid expansion or non-expansion states as classified by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Multivariable difference-in-differences analysis assessed the absolute difference in the annual, state-level, all-cause mortality per 100 000 adults after Medicaid expansion. FINDINGS Among 32 expansion states and 17 non-expansion states, Medicaid expansion was associated with reductions in all-cause mortality (-11·8 deaths per 100 000 adults [95% CI -21·3 to -2·2]). There was variability in changes in all-cause mortality associated with Medicaid expansion by state (ranging from -63·8 deaths per 100 000 adults [95% CI -134·1 to -42·9] in Delaware to 30·4 deaths per 100 000 adults [-39·8 to 51·4] in New Mexico). State-level proportions of women (-17·8 deaths per 100 000 adults [95% CI -26·7 to -8·8] for each percentage point increase in women residents) and non-Hispanic Black residents (-1·4 deaths per 100 000 adults [-2·4 to -0·3] for each percentage point increase in non-Hispanic Black residents) were associated with greater adjusted reductions in all-cause mortality among expansion states. INTERPRETATION After 4 years of implementation, Medicaid expansion remains associated with significant reductions in all-cause mortality, but reductions are variable by state characteristics. These results could inform policy makers to provide broad-based equitable improvements in health outcomes. FUNDING University of Southern California Research Center for Liver Diseases.
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24
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Lee BP, Dodge JL, Terrault NA. Changes and mediators of survival disparity among Black liver transplant recipients in the United States. Am J Transplant 2021; 21:3883-3893. [PMID: 34374495 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
A landmark 2002 study identified Black liver transplant (LT) recipients as having lower post-LT survival compared to other races. While persistent disparities exist, changes over time and mediating factors are understudied. Capturing LT recipients between 2002 and 2018 in UNOS, we used logistic regression and Cox proportional-hazard models to calculate differences in post-LT mortality among races. We examined interactions between transplant year and race. A mediation analysis assessed biologic and environmental factors potentially associated with race differences in post-LT survival. The cohort included 46,997 LT recipients (3898 Black;36,560 White;6539 Hispanic). In most years, Black (vs. White) LT recipients had a higher probability of age-adjusted mortality, not observed among Hispanics. In multivariable analysis, Blacks (vs. Whites) had higher (aHR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.07-1.24), whereas Hispanics had lower (aHR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.72-0.83) risk of mortality. Differences in post-LT mortality among Blacks (vs. Whites) narrowed between 2002 and 2009, were similar between 2010 and 2013, and may have worsened between 2014 and 2018. Race differences were larger for mortality beyond 1-year post-LT (vs. within 1-year), and among non-HCV (vs. HCV). Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) was the strongest mediator (13.9%, 95% CI 8.7-32.7%) of the Black-White disparity in 2010-2018. Our analyses suggest disparities may worsen with longer follow-up, as HCV recedes with elimination efforts, and with further increases in ALD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Jennifer L Dodge
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.,Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Norah A Terrault
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
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25
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Lee
- University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jennifer L Dodge
- University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
| | - Adam Leventhal
- University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
| | - Norah A Terrault
- University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
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26
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Ang BFH, Mohan PC, Png MA, Allen JC, Howe TS, Koh JSB, Lee BP, Morrey BF. Ultrasonic Percutaneous Tenotomy for Recalcitrant Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy: Clinical and Sonographic Results at 90 Months. Am J Sports Med 2021; 49:1854-1860. [PMID: 33956537 DOI: 10.1177/03635465211010158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a study from our institution, ultrasonic percutaneous tenotomy of the brevis and the common extensor tendon for recalcitrant lateral elbow tendinopathy showed excellent safety profiles, high tolerability, efficiency, sustained pain relief, functional improvement, and sonographic evidence of tissue healing in 20 patients at 3 years' follow-up. PURPOSE To explore the long-term clinical and sonographic results of ultrasonic percutaneous tenotomy of the brevis and the common extensor tendon. STUDY DESIGN Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS The same cohort of 20 patients was recalled after 7 years, and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores, need for secondary intervention, and overall satisfaction were assessed. They were also reassessed using ultrasound imaging of the brevis and the common extensor tendon to evaluate tendon hypervascularity, tendon thickness, and the progress or the recurrence of the hypoechoic scar tissue. RESULTS We successfully scored 19 patients and performed ultrasound on 16 patients with a median follow-up of 90 months (range, 86-102 months). There were no adverse outcomes and satisfaction remained at 100% (6 patients, satisfied; 13 patients, very satisfied). No patient developed a recurrence of symptoms and signs of lateral elbow tendinopathy, and therefore no secondary intervention was required. The improvement from baseline and early term scores was sustained (P < .001 for all). At 90 months, there was a significant improvement in VAS scores and DASH-Compulsory scores compared with preprocedure scores and all follow-up times until 3 months. There was no difference in VAS scores and DASH-Compulsory scores at 90 months compared with 6 and 36 months. For DASH-Work scores, there was a significant improvement at 90 months compared with preprocedure scores, but there was no difference between DASH-Work scores at 90 months and scores at all other points of follow-up. At 90 months, hypervascularity remained resolved in 79% of patients, while all patients had reduced tendon swelling and sustained resolution or reduction of the hypoechoic lesion. CONCLUSION At the long-term follow-up of 90 months, ultrasonic percutaneous tenotomy of the brevis and the common extensor tendon, previously shown to enhance recovery of lateral elbow tendinopathy, demonstrated good durability of pain relief and functional recovery that was previously achieved. This was accompanied by sustained sonographic tissue healing with no significant deterioration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin F H Ang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - P Chandra Mohan
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Meng Ai Png
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | | | - Tet Sen Howe
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Joyce S B Koh
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Brian P Lee
- Orthopaedic Associates Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Singapore
| | - Bernard F Morrey
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Texas Health Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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27
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Mellinger JL, Shedden K, Winder GS, Fernandez AC, Lee BP, Waljee J, Fontana R, Volk ML, Blow FC, Lok ASF. Bariatric surgery and the risk of alcohol-related cirrhosis and alcohol misuse. Liver Int 2021; 41:1012-1019. [PMID: 33529460 PMCID: PMC8204517 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [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: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Bariatric surgery is common, but alcohol misuse has been reported following these procedures. We aimed to determine if bariatric surgery is associated with increased risk of alcohol-related cirrhosis (AC) and alcohol misuse. METHODS Retrospective observational analysis of obese adults with employer-sponsored insurance administrative claims from 2008 to 2016. Subjects with diagnosis codes for bariatric surgery were included. Primary outcome was risk of AC. Secondary outcome was risk of alcohol misuse. Bariatric surgery was divided into before 2008 and after 2008 to account for patients who had a procedure during the study period. Cox proportional hazard regression models using age as the time variable were used with interaction analyses for bariatric surgery and gender. RESULTS A total of 194 130 had surgery from 2008 to 2016 while 209 090 patients had bariatric surgery prior to 2008. Age was 44.1 years, 61% women and enrolment was 3.7 years. A total of 4774 (0.07%) had AC. Overall risk of AC was lower for those who received sleeve gastrectomy and laparoscopic banding during the study period (HR 0.4, P <.001; HR 0.43, P =.02) and alcohol misuse increased for Roux-en-Y and sleeve gastrectomy recipients (HR 1.86 and 1.35, P <.001, respectively). In those who had surgery before 2008, women had increased risk of AC and alcohol misuse compared to women without bariatric surgery (HR 2.1 [95% CI: 1.79-2.41] for AC; HR 1.98 [95% CI 1.93-2.04]). CONCLUSIONS Bariatric surgery is associated with a short-term decreased risk of AC but potential long-term increased risk of AC in women. Post-operative alcohol surveillance is necessary to reduce this risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L. Mellinger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Kerby Shedden
- Department of Statistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | | | | | - Jennifer Waljee
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Robert Fontana
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Michael L. Volk
- Transplantation Institute, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda CA
| | - Frederic C. Blow
- Department of Psychiatry, Ann Arbor, MI,VA Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Anna SF Lok
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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28
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Lee BP, Vittinghoff E, Pletcher MJ, Dodge JL, Terrault NA. Medicaid Policy and Liver Transplant for Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease. Hepatology 2020; 72:130-139. [PMID: 31705545 PMCID: PMC7318101 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS In some states, liver transplantation (LT) for alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is covered by Medicaid only with documentation of abstinence and/or alcohol rehabilitation. Different Medicaid policies may affect the distribution of LT for ALD, particularly post-2011, as centers have adopted early (i.e., specific abstinence period not required) LT practices. APPROACH AND RESULTS We surveyed Medicaid policies in all states actively performing LT and linked state policies to prospectively collected national registry data on LT recipients from 2002 to 2017 with ALD as the primary listing diagnosis. We categorized Medicaid policies for states as "restrictive" (requiring documentation of a specific abstinence period and/or rehabilitation) versus "unrestrictive" (deferring to center eligibility policies). Difference-of-differences analysis, comparing 2002-2011 versus 2012-2017, evaluated whether restrictive policies were associated with decreased proportion of LTs paid by Medicaid among patients with ALD post-2011. We performed sensitivity analyses to account for any differences by diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatitis C virus, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, or Medicare insurance. We also performed a sensitivity analysis to account for any difference by prevalence of ALD among restrictive versus unrestrictive states. Of 10,836 LT recipients in 2002-2017, 7,091 were from 24 states in the restrictive group and 3,745 from 14 states in the unrestrictive group. The adjusted proportion (95% confidence interval) of LTs paid by Medicaid among restrictive versus unrestrictive states between 2002 and 2011 was 17.6% (15.4%-19.8%) versus 18.9% (15.4%-22.3%) (P = 0.54) and between 2012 and 2017, 17.2% (14.7%-19.7%) versus 23.2% (19.8%-26.6%) (P = 0.005). In difference-of-differences analysis, restrictive (versus unrestrictive) policies were associated with a 4.7% (0.8%-8.6%) (P = 0.02) absolute lower adjusted proportion of LTs for ALD paid by Medicaid post-2011. CONCLUSIONS Restrictive Medicaid policies are present in most states with active LT centers and are associated with lower proportions of LTs for ALD paid by Medicaid post-2011 compared to states with unrestrictive Medicaid policies. Reevaluation of Medicaid alcohol use policies may be warranted, to align more closely with contemporary center-level practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P. Lee
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Eric Vittinghoff
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Mark J. Pletcher
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Jennifer L. Dodge
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Norah A. Terrault
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
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29
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Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Eleven million unauthorized immigrants reside in the United States and may account for 3% of deceased organ donors. Recently introduced federal and state legislation propose to address access to organ transplantation among unauthorized immigrants. The national landscape of liver transplantation (LT) for unauthorized immigrants is unknown. APPROACH AND RESULTS We included all US LT recipients between March 2012 and December 2018 who were linked to Pew Center of Research data to estimate the population of unauthorized immigrants in each US state and by country of origin, based on US Census data. We categorized patients as unauthorized immigrants versus US citizens/residents. The main outcome measures were (1) the proportion of LTs performed for unauthorized immigrants compared with the proportion of unauthorized immigrants among total population in each US state and (2) graft failure and death post-LT. Of 43,192 LT recipients, 43,026 (99.6%) were US citizens/residents and 166 (0.4%) were unauthorized immigrants. Among unauthorized immigrants, most LTs were performed in California (47%) and New York (18%). The absolute difference in proportion of LTs performed for unauthorized immigrants compared with the proportion of unauthorized immigrants among the total population differed among states, ranging from +20% in California to -12% in Texas. The most common countries of birth among LT recipients who were unauthorized immigrants were Mexico (52%), Guatemala (7%), China (6%), El Salvador (5%), and India (5%). In competing risk analysis, unauthorized immigration status (vs. US citizens/residents) was associated with a similar risk of graft failure (subdistribution hazard ratio [sHR] 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.40-1.34; P = 0.38) and death (sHR 0.68; 95% CI, 0.36-1.29; P = 0.23). CONCLUSIONS LT for unauthorized immigrants is rare, and disparities in access to LT by state are present. Patient and graft survival among unauthorized immigrants is comparable with citizens/residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P. Lee
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Norah A. Terrault
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
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30
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Cullaro G, Verna EC, Lee BP, Lai JC. Chronic Kidney Disease in Liver Transplant Candidates: A Rising Burden Impacting Post-Liver Transplant Outcomes. Liver Transpl 2020; 26:498-506. [PMID: 31785069 PMCID: PMC8056970 DOI: 10.1002/lt.25694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is rising among patients with cirrhosis, though it is not known what impact this has had on outcomes after liver transplantation (LT). All patients listed for LT in the United States between 2002 and 2017 were analyzed, excluding those listed with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) exceptions. The primary outcome was post-LT mortality. We defined pre-LT CKD as an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/minute for 90 days or ≥42 days of hemodialysis. Cox regression determined the association between pre-LT CKD and post-LT mortality. Of 78,640 LT candidates, the proportion with CKD among LT recipients increased from 7.8% in 2002 to 14.6% in 2017 (test for trend, P < 0.001). Among the 39,719 LT recipients, pre-LT CKD was significantly associated with post-LT mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.16; P < 0.001) even after adjusting for donor risk index (DRI), age, MELD, etiology, hepatic encephalopathy, simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation (SLKT), and diabetes. There was no mediating influence of SLKT on the effect of pre-LT CKD on post-LT survival (P > 0.05). Therefore, pre-LT CKD has a deleterious impact on post-LT outcomes, which is an impact that is not mediated through SLKT. These findings highlight the need for the identification of CKD when preventative measures are possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Cullaro
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth C. Verna
- Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Columbia University, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brian P. Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer C. Lai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Lee BP, Smith M, Buffenstein R, Harries LW. Negligible senescence in naked mole rats may be a consequence of well-maintained splicing regulation. GeroScience 2020; 42:633-651. [PMID: 31927681 PMCID: PMC7205774 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-019-00150-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Naked mole-rats (NMRs) have amongst the longest lifespans relative to body size of any known, non-volant mammalian species. They also display an enhanced stress resistance phenotype, negligible senescence and very rarely are they burdened with chronic age-related diseases. Alternative splicing (AS) dysregulation is emerging as a potential driver of senescence and ageing. We hypothesised that the expression of splicing factors, important regulators of patterns of AS, may differ in NMRs when compared to other species with relatively shorter lifespans. We designed assays specific to NMR splicing regulatory factors and also to a panel of pre-selected brain-expressed genes known to demonstrate senescence-related alterations in AS in other species, and measured age-related changes in the transcript expression levels of these using embryonic and neonatal developmental stages through to extreme old age in NMR brain samples. We also compared splicing factor expression in both young mouse and NMR spleen and brain samples. Both NMR tissues showed approximately double the expression levels observed in tissues from similarly sized mice. Furthermore, contrary to observations in other species, following a brief period of labile expression in early life stages, adult NMR splicing factors and patterns of AS for functionally relevant brain genes remained remarkably stable for at least two decades. These findings are consistent with a model whereby the conservation of splicing regulation and stable patterns of AS may contribute to better molecular stress responses and the avoidance of senescence in NMRs, contributing to their exceptional lifespan and prolonged healthspan.
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Affiliation(s)
- B P Lee
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Barrack Road, Exeter, EX2 5DW, UK
| | - M Smith
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, 1170 Veterans Blvd., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - R Buffenstein
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, 1170 Veterans Blvd., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA.
| | - L W Harries
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Barrack Road, Exeter, EX2 5DW, UK.
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Lee BP, Samur S, Dalgic OO, Bethea ED, Lucey MR, Weinberg E, Hsu C, Rinella ME, Im GY, Fix OK, Therapondos G, Han H, Victor DW, Voigt MD, Eswaran S, Terrault NA, Chhatwal J. Model to Calculate Harms and Benefits of Early vs Delayed Liver Transplantation for Patients With Alcohol-Associated Hepatitis. Gastroenterology 2019; 157:472-480.e5. [PMID: 30998988 PMCID: PMC6650344 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2019.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [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: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Early liver transplantation (without requiring a minimum period of sobriety) for severe alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) is controversial: many centers delay eligibility until a specific period of sobriety (such as 6 months) has been achieved. To inform ongoing debate and policy, we modeled long-term outcomes of early vs delayed liver transplantation for patients with AH. METHODS We developed a mathematical model to simulate early vs delayed liver transplantation for patients with severe AH and different amounts of alcohol use after transplantation: abstinence, slip (alcohol use followed by sobriety), or sustained use. Mortality of patients before transplantation was determined by joint-effect model (based on Model for End-Stage Liver Disease [MELD] and Lille scores). We estimated life expectancies of patients receiving early vs delayed transplantation (6-month wait before placement on the waitlist) and life years lost attributable to alcohol use after receiving the liver transplant. RESULTS Patients offered early liver transplantation were estimated to have an average life expectancy of 6.55 life years, compared with an average life expectancy of 1.46 life years for patients offered delayed liver transplantation (4.49-fold increase). The net increase in life expectancy from offering early transplantation was highest for patients with Lille scores of 0.50-0.82 and MELD scores of 32 or more. Patients who were offered early transplantation and had no alcohol use afterward were predicted to survive 10.85 years compared with 3.62 years for patients with sustained alcohol use after transplantation (7.23 life years lost). Compared with delayed transplantation, early liver transplantation increased survival times in all simulated scenarios and combinations of Lille and MELD scores. CONCLUSIONS In a modeling study of assumed carefully selected patients with AH, early vs delayed liver transplantation (6 months of abstinence from alcohol before transplantation) increased survival times of patients, regardless of estimated risk of sustained alcohol use after transplantation. These findings support early liver transplantation for patients with severe AH. The net increase in life expectancy was maintained in all simulated extreme scenarios but should be confirmed in prospective studies. Sustained alcohol use after transplantation significantly reduced but did not eliminate the benefits of early transplantation. Strategies are needed to prevent and treat posttransplantation use of alcohol.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ozden O. Dalgic
- Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Technology Assessment, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emily D. Bethea
- Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Technology Assessment, Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael R. Lucey
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ethan Weinberg
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christine Hsu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Mary E. Rinella
- Department of Gastroenterology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Gene Y. Im
- Department of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Oren K. Fix
- Department of Gastroenterology, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - George Therapondos
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ochsner Medical Center, Jefferson, LA, USA
| | - Hyosun Han
- Department of Gastroenterology, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David W. Victor
- Department of Gastroenterology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael D. Voigt
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Sheila Eswaran
- Department of Gastroenterology, Rush Medical College, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Jagpreet Chhatwal
- Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Technology Assessment, Boston, Massachusetts.
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Rice JP, Lee BP. Early Liver Transplantation for Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease: Need for Engagement and Education of All Stakeholders. Hepatol Commun 2019; 3:1019-1021. [PMID: 31388622 PMCID: PMC6671773 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1385] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Editorial for HEP4-19-0054 "Patients' Perspective on Early Liver Transplantation in Alcoholic Liver Disease."
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Affiliation(s)
- John P. Rice
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Gastroenterology and HepatologyUniversity of WisconsinMadisonWI
| | - Brian P. Lee
- Department of GastroenterologyUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCA
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Nomura J, Rieg G, Bluestone G, Tsai T, Lai A, Terashita D, Bercovici S, Hong DK, Lee BP. Rapid detection of invasive Mycobacterium chimaera disease via a novel plasma-based next-generation sequencing test. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:371. [PMID: 31046692 PMCID: PMC6498503 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4001-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an ongoing outbreak of Mycobacterium chimaera infections among patients exposed to contaminated heater-cooler devices used during cardiac surgery. Recognition of M. chimaera infection is hampered by its long latency and non-specific symptoms. Standard diagnostic methods using acid-fast bacilli (AFB) culture often require invasive sampling, have low sensitivity, and can take weeks to result. We describe the performance of a plasma-based next-generation sequencing test (plasma NGS) for the diagnosis of M. chimaera infection. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of 10 patients with a history of cardiac surgery who developed invasive M. chimaera infection and underwent testing by plasma NGS between February 2017 and April 2018. RESULTS Plasma NGS detected M. chimaera in 9 of 10 patients (90%) with invasive disease in a median of 4 days from specimen collection, including all 8 patients with disseminated infection. In 7 of these 9 cases (78%), plasma NGS was the first test to provide microbiologic confirmation of M. chimaera infection. In contrast, AFB cultures required a median of 20 days to turn positive, and the median time for confirmation of M. chimaera was 41 days. Of 24 AFB blood cultures obtained in this cohort, only 4 (17%) were positive. Invasive procedures were performed in 90% of cases, and in 5 patients (50%), mycobacterial growth was achieved only by culture of these deep sites. CONCLUSIONS Plasma NGS can accurately detect M. chimaera noninvasively and significantly faster than AFB culture, making it a promising new diagnostic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jim Nomura
- Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Infectious Disease Department, Los Angeles Medical Center, 1505 N Edgemont St, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA.
| | - Gunter Rieg
- South Bay Medical Center, Harbor City, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Andrew Lai
- Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Infectious Disease Department, Los Angeles Medical Center, 1505 N Edgemont St, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA
| | - Dawn Terashita
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sivan Bercovici
- Karius, Inc, 975 Island Drive, Suite 101, Redwood City, CA, 94065, USA
| | - David K Hong
- Karius, Inc, 975 Island Drive, Suite 101, Redwood City, CA, 94065, USA
| | - Brian P Lee
- Karius, Inc, 975 Island Drive, Suite 101, Redwood City, CA, 94065, USA.
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Lee BP, Im GY, Rice JP, Weinberg E, Hsu C, Fix OK, Therapondos G, Han H, Victor DW, Eswaran S, Maddur H, Terrault NA. Underestimation of Liver Transplantation for Alcoholic Hepatitis in the National Transplant Database. Liver Transpl 2019; 25:706-711. [PMID: 30882995 PMCID: PMC6508584 DOI: 10.1002/lt.25448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [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: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) can be coded in United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) as either alcoholic cirrhosis or alcoholic hepatitis (AH), without having specific criteria to assign either diagnosis. In this multicenter American Consortium of Early Liver Transplantation for Alcoholic Hepatitis (ACCELERATE-AH) study, we sought to assess the concordance of the clinician diagnosis of AH at liver transplantation (LT) listing versus UNOS data entry of AH as listing diagnosis. In a prior study, consecutive early LT recipients transplanted for AH between 2012 and 2017 were identified by chart review at 10 ACCELERATE-AH sites. In this current study, these same LT recipients were identified in the UNOS database. The primary UNOS diagnostic code was evaluated for concordance with the chart-review assignment of AH. In cases where the primary listing diagnosis in UNOS was not AH, we determined the reason for alternate classification. Among 124 ACCELERATE-AH LT recipients with a chart-review diagnosis of AH, only 43/124 (35%) had AH as listing diagnosis in UNOS; 80 (64%) were listed as alcoholic cirrhosis, and 1 (1%) as fulminant hepatic necrosis. Of the 81 patients missing AH as a UNOS listing diagnosis code, the reasons for alternate classification were 44 (54%) due to a lack of awareness of a separate diagnosis code for AH; 13 (16%) due to concomitant clinical diagnosis of AH and alcoholic cirrhosis in the chart; 12 (15%) due to clinical uncertainty regarding the diagnosis of AH versus acute decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis; and 12 (15%) due to a data entry error. In conclusion, in a large cohort of LT recipients with AH, only 35% were documented as such in UNOS. Increased education and awareness for those performing UNOS data entry, the establishment of specific criteria to define AH in the UNOS database, and the ability to document dates of alcohol use would allow future research on ALD to be more informative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P. Lee
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gene Y. Im
- Department of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA
| | - John P. Rice
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ethan Weinberg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christine Hsu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Oren K. Fix
- Department of Gastroenterology, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - George Therapondos
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ochsner Medical Center, Jefferson, LA, USA
| | - Hyosun Han
- Department of Gastroenterology, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David W. Victor
- Department of Gastroenterology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sheila Eswaran
- Department of Gastroenterology, Rush Medical College, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Haripriya Maddur
- Department of Gastroenterology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Norah A. Terrault
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Lee BP, Vittinghoff E, Hsu C, Han H, Therapondos G, Fix OK, Victor DW, Dronamraju D, Im GY, Voigt MD, Rice JP, Lucey MR, Eswaran S, Chen PH, Li Z, Maddur H, Terrault NA. Predicting Low Risk for Sustained Alcohol Use After Early Liver Transplant for Acute Alcoholic Hepatitis: The Sustained Alcohol Use Post-Liver Transplant Score. Hepatology 2019; 69:1477-1487. [PMID: 30561766 PMCID: PMC6453818 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Early liver transplant (LT) for alcohol-associated disease (i.e., without a specific sobriety period) is controversial but increasingly used. Using the multicenter American Consortium of Early Liver Transplantation for Alcoholic Hepatitis (ACCELERATE-AH) cohort, we aimed to develop a predictive tool to identify patients pretransplant with low risk for sustained alcohol use posttransplant to inform selection of candidates for early LT. We included consecutive ACCELERATE-AH LT recipients between 2012 and 2017. All had clinically diagnosed severe alcoholic hepatitis (AH), no prior diagnosis of liver disease or AH, and underwent LT without a specific sobriety period. Logistic and Cox regression, classification and regression trees (CARTs), and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression were used to identify variables associated with sustained alcohol use post-LT. Among 134 LT recipients for AH with median period of alcohol abstinence pre-LT of 54 days, 74% were abstinent, 16% had slips only, and 10% had sustained alcohol use after a median 1.6 (interquartile range [IQR]: 0.7-2.8) years follow-up post-LT. Four variables were associated with sustained use of alcohol post-LT, forming the Sustained Alcohol Use Post-LT (SALT) score (range: 0-11): >10 drinks per day at initial hospitalization (+4 points), multiple prior rehabilitation attempts (+4 points), prior alcohol-related legal issues (+2 points), and prior illicit substance abuse (+1 point). The C statistic was 0.76 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.68-0.83). A SALT score ≥5 had a 25% positive predictive value (95% CI: 10%-47%) and a SALT score of <5 had a 95% negative predictive value (95% CI: 89%-98%) for sustained alcohol use post-LT. In internal cross-validation, the average C statistic was 0.74. Conclusion: A prognostic score, the SALT score, using four objective pretransplant variables identifies candidates with AH for early LT who are at low risk for sustained alcohol use posttransplant. This tool may assist in the selection of patients with AH for early LT or in guiding risk-based interventions post-LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Lee
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Eric Vittinghoff
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Christine Hsu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Hyosun Han
- Department of Gastroenterology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | | | - Oren K Fix
- Department of Gastroenterology, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, WA
| | - David W Victor
- Department of Gastroenterology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Deepti Dronamraju
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD
| | - Gene Y Im
- Department of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Michael D Voigt
- Department of Gastroenterology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - John P Rice
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| | - Michael R Lucey
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| | - Sheila Eswaran
- Department of Gastroenterology, Rush Medical College, Chicago, IL
| | - Po-Hung Chen
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Zhiping Li
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Haripriya Maddur
- Department of Gastroenterology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Norah A Terrault
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
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Lee BP, Terrault NA. Liver-related mortality in the United States: hepatitis C declines, non-alcoholic fatty liver and alcohol rise. Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 4:19. [PMID: 30976722 DOI: 10.21037/tgh.2019.03.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Lee
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Norah A Terrault
- Department of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Lee BP, Vittinghoff E, Dodge JL, Cullaro G, Terrault NA. National Trends and Long-term Outcomes of Liver Transplant for Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease in the United States. JAMA Intern Med 2019; 179:340-348. [PMID: 30667468 PMCID: PMC6439700 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2018.6536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [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] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) has emerged as the most common indication for liver transplant in the United States, but data on the reasons for this increase and long-term post-liver transplant outcomes among liver transplant recipients are sparse. OBJECTIVE To characterize trends and long-term outcomes of liver transplant for ALD in the United States between 2002 and 2016. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This multicenter, prospective, national cohort study used data from the United Network for Organ Sharing database to evaluate all liver transplants performed in the United States between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2016. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES National and regional trends in liver transplant for ALD, with a sensitivity analysis with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) included, and early (≤90 days after liver transplant) and late (>90 days after liver transplant) patient and graft survival. RESULTS The cohort consisted of 32 913 patients, including 9438 with ALD and 23 475 without ALD (patients who had HCV infection and HCC indications were excluded). Median age of patients with ALD was 54 years (interquartile range, 47-60 years) and of patients without ALD was 54 years (interquartile range, 44-61 years). Patients with ALD (vs non-ALD) were more frequently male (7197 of 9438 [76.2%] vs 11 767 of 23 475 [50.1%]; P < .001) and white (7544 [80.0%] vs 17 251 [73.5%]; P < .001). The proportion of liver transplants for ALD increased from 24.2% (433 of 1791) in 2002 to 27.2% (556 of 2044) in 2010 and 36.7% (1253 of 3419) in 2016. With HCV infection included, the proportions of liver transplant for ALD were 15.3% in 2002, 18.6% in 2010, and 30.6% in 2016, representing a 100% increase in liver transplant for ALD, of which 48% was associated with a decrease in HCV infection as an indication for liver transplant. The magnitude of increase in ALD was regionally heterogeneous and associated with changes in patient characteristics suggestive of alcoholic hepatitis: decreasing age (χ2 = 36.5; P = .005) and increasing model for end-stage liver disease score (χ2 = 69.1; P < .001). Cumulative unadjusted 5-year posttransplant survival was 79% (95% CI, 78%-80%) for ALD vs 80% (95% CI, 79%-80%) for non-ALD; cumulative unadjusted 10-year posttransplant survival was 63% (95% CI, 61%-64%) for ALD vs 68% (95% CI, 67%-69%) for non-ALD (P = .006). In multivariable analysis, ALD was associated with increased risk of late death after liver transplant (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.03-1.20; P = .006). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The findings suggest that early liver transplant for alcoholic hepatitis may be leading to broader acceptance of ALD for liver transplant. Late survival among liver transplant recipients with ALD was inferior to that among recipients with non-ALD indications, suggesting a need for future studies to identify patient profiles associated with best outcomes. Regional differences suggest heterogeneity in policies toward liver transplant for ALD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Eric Vittinghoff
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco
| | | | - Giuseppe Cullaro
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Norah A Terrault
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
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Lee BP, Terrault NA. Return to Alcohol Use After Liver Transplant: Patterns and Surveillance. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2019; 12:160-164. [PMID: 30988935 PMCID: PMC6446457 DOI: 10.1002/cld.756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Brian P. Lee
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoSan FranciscoCA
| | - Norah A. Terrault
- Department of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoSan FranciscoCA
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Lee BP, Im GY, Lucey MR, Terrault NA. Reply. Gastroenterology 2019; 156:286-287. [PMID: 30472234 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.11.044] [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] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
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41
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Lee BP, Mehta N, Platt L, Gurakar A, Rice JP, Lucey MR, Im GY, Therapondos G, Han H, Victor DW, Fix OK, Dinges L, Dronamraju D, Hsu C, Voigt MD, Rinella ME, Maddur H, Eswaran S, Hause J, Foley D, Ghobrial RM, Dodge JL, Li Z, Terrault NA. Outcomes of Early Liver Transplantation for Patients With Severe Alcoholic Hepatitis. Gastroenterology 2018; 155:422-430.e1. [PMID: 29655837 PMCID: PMC6460480 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.5] [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: 11/25/2017] [Revised: 03/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The American Consortium of Early Liver Transplantation for Alcoholic Hepatitis comprises 12 centers from 8 United Network for Organ Sharing regions studying early liver transplantation (LT) (without mandated period of sobriety) for patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis (AH). We analyzed the outcomes of these patients. METHODS We performed a retrospective study of consecutive patients with a diagnosis of severe AH and no prior diagnosis of liver disease or episodes of AH, who underwent LT before 6 months of abstinence from 2006 through 2017 at 12 centers. We collected data on baseline characteristics, psychosocial profiles, level of alcohol consumption before LT, disease course and treatment, and outcomes of LT. The interval of alcohol abstinence was defined as the time between last drink and the date of LT. The primary outcomes were survival and alcohol use after LT, defined as slip or sustained. RESULTS Among 147 patients with AH who received liver transplants, the median duration of abstinence before LT was 55 days; 54% received corticosteroids for AH and the patients had a median Lille score of 0.82 and a median Sodium Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score of 39. Cumulative patient survival percentages after LT were 94% at 1 year (95% confidence interval [CI], 89%-97%) and 84% at 3 years (95% CI, 75%-90%). Following hospital discharge after LT, 72% were abstinent, 18% had slips, and 11% had sustained alcohol use. The cumulative incidence of any alcohol use was 25% at 1 year (95% CI, 18%-34%) and 34% at 3 years (95% CI, 25%-44%) after LT. The cumulative incidence of sustained alcohol use was 10% at 1 year (95% CI, 6%-18%) and 17% at 3 years (95% CI, 10%-27%) after LT. In multivariable analysis, only younger age was associated with alcohol following LT (P = .01). Sustained alcohol use after LT was associated with increased risk of death (hazard ratio, 4.59; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS In a retrospective analysis of 147 patients who underwent early LT (before 6 months of abstinence) for severe AH, we found that most patients survive for 1 year (94%) and 3 years (84%), similar to patients receiving liver transplants for other indications. Sustained alcohol use after LT was infrequent but associated with increased mortality. Our findings support the selective use of LT as a treatment for severe AH. Prospective studies are needed to optimize selection criteria, management of patients after LT, and long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P. Lee
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Neil Mehta
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Laura Platt
- Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ahmet Gurakar
- Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - John P. Rice
- University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Michael R. Lucey
- University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Gene Y. Im
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | | | - Hyosun Han
- Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | | | | | | | | | - Christine Hsu
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Mary E. Rinella
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Haripriya Maddur
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | | | - David Foley
- University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | | | | | - Zhiping Li
- Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
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Lee BP, Chen PH, Haugen C, Hernaez R, Gurakar A, Philosophe B, Dagher N, Moore SA, Li Z, Cameron AM. Three-year Results of a Pilot Program in Early Liver Transplantation for Severe Alcoholic Hepatitis. Ann Surg 2017; 265:20-29. [PMID: 27280501 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000001831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine our pilot to transplant selected patients with acute alcoholic hepatitis, initiated in October 2012. BACKGROUND Six months of alcohol abstinence is typically required before liver transplant. A Franco-Belgian protocol showed that early transplant in severe alcoholic hepatitis could improve survival with low incidence of alcohol relapse. Application of this controversial indication is growing despite unclear generalizability. METHODS Data was collected on all patients with alcohol-related liver disease since initiation of the pilot through June 2015. Patients were stratified into two groups: severe alcoholic hepatitis as first liver decompensation (Group 1), alcoholic cirrhosis with ≥6 months abstinence (Group 2). Alcohol relapse was defined as any evidence of alcohol consumption after transplant, which was assessed for harmful patterns of binge or frequent drinking. RESULTS Forty-three patients underwent liver transplant, including 17 patients in Group 1. Six-month survival was 100% versus 89% for Groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = 0.27). Alcohol relapse was similar in Group 1 versus Group 2: 23.5% versus 29.2% (P > 0.99). Harmful drinking was higher in Group 1 versus Group 2, despite lack of statistical significance: 23.5% versus 11.5% (P = 0.42). CONCLUSIONS In this pilot with carefully selected patients, early liver transplant provided excellent short-term survival, and similar rates of alcohol relapse compared with patients with 6 months of abstinence. Harmful patterns of relapse remain challenging in this population, highlighting the need for validated models to predict alcohol relapse, and need for extreme caution in selecting patients for this exceptional indication. Larger prospective studies and longer follow up are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Lee
- *Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD †Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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Seng C, Mohan PC, Koh SBJ, Howe TS, Lim YG, Lee BP, Morrey BF. Ultrasonic Percutaneous Tenotomy for Recalcitrant Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy: Sustainability and Sonographic Progression at 3 Years. Am J Sports Med 2016; 44:504-10. [PMID: 26602153 DOI: 10.1177/0363546515612758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A previously published study found positive outcomes for a novel technique for ultrasound-guided percutaneous ultrasonic tenotomy, showing good tolerability, safety, and early efficacy within an office setting. PURPOSE In this follow-up study, all 20 members of the original cohort were contacted after 3 years to explore the sustainability of symptomatic relief, functional improvement, and sonographic soft tissue response for percutaneous ultrasonic tenotomy. STUDY DESIGN Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS All 20 subjects of the clinical trial that was performed from June to November 2011 were further assessed at 36 months after the procedure in terms of visual analog scale for pain, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH)-Compulsory/Work scores, need for adjunct procedures, and overall satisfaction. Importantly, all 20 were reassessed with ultrasound imaging at 36 months, and evidence of the common extensor tendon response was assessed in terms of tendon hypervascularity, tendon thickness, and the progress of the hypoechoic scar tissue. RESULTS A 100% clinical follow-up was achieved, inclusive of ultrasonographic assessment. None of the subjects required further treatment procedures, and 100% expressed satisfaction. Previous improvements in visual analog scale (current median ± SD, 0 ± 0.9; range, 0-3) and DASH-Work scores (current median, 0 ± 0) were sustained with conformity to a linear pattern on polynomial measures. There was further reduction in DASH-Compulsory scores to a median of 0 ± 0.644 (range, 0-2) with a significant decrease on repeated measures (P = .008). Tendon hypervascularity was resolved in 94% of patients, and 100% had reduction in tendon thickness. Overall reduction in the hypoechoic scar tissue was observed in all subjects, with a 90% response achieved by 6 months. Between 6 and 36 months, further reduction in the scar was observed in around 60% of patients, with 20% of patients having complete resolution of the hypoechoic scar. CONCLUSION Minimally invasive percutaneous ultrasonic tenotomy provided sustained pain relief and functional improvement for recalcitrant tennis elbow at 3-year follow-up. It is one of the few procedures to demonstrate positive sonographic evidence of tissue-healing response and is an attractive alternative to surgical intervention for definitive treatment of recalcitrant elbow tendinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chusheng Seng
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - P Chandra Mohan
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | | | - Tet Sen Howe
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Yee Gen Lim
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Brian P Lee
- Orthopaedic Associates Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Singapore
| | - Bernard F Morrey
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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Koh JSB, Mohan PC, Howe TS, Lee BP, Chia SL, Yang Z, Morrey BF. Fasciotomy and surgical tenotomy for recalcitrant lateral elbow tendinopathy: early clinical experience with a novel device for minimally invasive percutaneous microresection. Am J Sports Med 2013; 41:636-44. [PMID: 23302261 DOI: 10.1177/0363546512470625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The optimal choice for intervention for recalcitrant lateral elbow tendinopathy remains unclear as various treatment modalities have documented comparable results in the literature. PURPOSE To explore the safety, tolerability, and early efficacy of a new minimally invasive mode of treatment that delivers focused, calibrated ultrasonic energy, effectively microresecting the pathological tendon and removing only pathological tissue. STUDY DESIGN Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS Seven male and 13 female patients aged 33 to 65 years averaging 12.5 months (range, 4-48) of failed nonoperative therapy underwent the ultrasonic microresection procedure in an outpatient clinic setting. The procedure involved a sterile, ultrasound-guided percutaneous microresection with a proprietary device (TX1) performed through a stab incision under local anesthesia. The duration of the procedure and complications of the device or procedure were assessed. Outcome parameters included patient satisfaction; visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months; and ultrasound assessment at 3 and 6 months. RESULTS The median duration for the sterile confirmatory ultrasound examination (phase 1) was 88.5 seconds (range, 39-211; SD, ±47.6), the median duration of the procedure proper (phase 2) was 10.1 minutes (range, 4.1-19.4; SD, ±3.7), and the median energy time (duration the TX1 device was activated) was 32.5 seconds (range, 18-58; SD, ±11.0). No complications were encountered. A significant improvement in VAS score (from 5.5 to 3.3; P < .001) occurred by 1 week, and significant improvements in both DASH-Compulsory (from 21.7 to 11.3; P = .001) and DASH-Work (from 25.0 to 6.3; P = .012) scores occurred by 1 month. The VAS scores further improved at 3, 6, and 12 months (from 2.0 to 1.0 to 0.50; P = .003 and .023). The DASH-Compulsory score improved significantly from 3 to 6 months (from 8.6 to 4.6; P = .003), and both the DASH-Compulsory and DASH-Work scores were sustained by 12 months. Sonographically reduced tendon thickness (19 patients), resolved or reduced hypervascularity (17 patients), and reduced hypoechoic area (18 patients) occurred by 6 months. Nineteen of the 20 patients (95%) expressed satisfaction with the procedure, with 9 patients being very satisfied with their overall experience at 6 months after the procedure, 10 patients somewhat satisfied, and 1 patient neutral. CONCLUSION Ultrasonic microresection of diseased tissue with the TX1 device provides a focally directed, safe, specific, minimally invasive, and well-tolerated treatment for recalcitrant lateral elbow tendinopathy in an office-based or ambulatory surgical setting with good evidence of some level of efficacy in 19 of 20 patients (95%) that is sustained for at least 1 year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce S B Koh
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore 169608.
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Ong YH, Chua ASM, Lee BP, Ngoh GC. Long-term performance evaluation of EBPR process in tropical climate: start-up, process stability, and the effect of operational pH and influent C:P ratio. Water Sci Technol 2013; 67:340-346. [PMID: 23168633 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2012.552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
To date, little information is known about the operation of the enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) process in tropical climates. Along with the global concerns on nutrient pollution and the increasing array of local regulatory requirements, the applicability and compliance accountability of the EBPR process for sewage treatment in tropical climates is being evaluated. A sequencing batch reactor (SBR) inoculated with seed sludge from a conventional activated sludge (CAS) process was successfully acclimatized to EBPR conditions at 28 °C after 13 days' operation. Enrichment of Candidatus Accumulibacter phosphatis in the SBR was confirmed through fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The effects of operational pH and influent C:P ratio on EBPR were then investigated. At pH 7 or pH 8, phosphorus removal rates of the EBPR processes were relatively higher when operated at C:P ratio of 3 than C:P ratio of 10, with 0.019-0.020 and 0.011-0.012 g-P/g-MLVSS•day respectively. One-year operation of the 28 °C EBPR process at C:P ratio of 3 and pH 8 demonstrated stable phosphorus removal rate of 0.020 ± 0.003 g-P/g-MLVSS•day, corresponding to effluent with phosphorus concentration <0.5 mg/L. This study provides the first evidence on good EBPR activity at relatively high temperature, indicating its applicability in a tropical climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y H Ong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Abstract
BACKGROUND As the most common cause of severe diarrhea among children, rotavirus has a significant economic impact. Previous studies focused on the direct medical costs of rotavirus infections; however, nonmedical costs account for the majority of the financial burden from this disease. Herein, we report the results from the largest prospective study in the United States determining the nonmedical costs of severe rotavirus infections. METHODS Prospective, active, gastroenteritis case surveillance was conducted between November 1997 and December 1999 at 3 pediatric medical centers. Rotavirus infection was identified for 548 children admitted between 2 weeks and 5 years of age. Detailed information about nonmedical costs during the prehospitalization, hospitalization and posthospitalization periods was obtained through interviews. RESULTS The average nonmedical cost per case of rotavirus disease was USD $448.77, including $359.04 for missed work, $56.66 for transportation, $11.90 for oral rehydration solutions, $9.59 for diapers, $6.83 for child care changes, $3.82 for special foods and $0.93 for formula changes. More than one-half of these expenses (53%) occurred outside the hospitalization period, and 80% of the cost was attributable to missed work. CONCLUSIONS With an estimated 50,000 hospitalizations attributable to rotavirus each year in the United States, the nonmedical costs of severe rotavirus infections may exceed USD $22 million annually. Previous cost effectiveness analyses of rotavirus vaccines substantially underestimated this burden, suggesting that the nonmedical costs associated with mild to moderate rotavirus disease have been similarly underestimated. These findings are needed to assess accurately the cost effectiveness of future rotavirus immunization strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Lee
- Children's Hospital and Research Center at Oakland, Oakland, CA, USA.
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Gilliam AE, Bruckner AL, Howard RM, Lee BP, Wu S, Frieden IJ. Bullous "cellulitis" with eosinophilia: case report and review of Wells' syndrome in childhood. Pediatrics 2005; 116:e149-55. [PMID: 15995016 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2004-2273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A 1-year-old girl presented with acute onset of edematous erythematous plaques associated with bullae on her extremities and accompanied by peripheral eosinophilia. She was afebrile, and the skin lesions were pruritic but not tender. The patient was treated with intravenously administered antibiotics for presumed cellulitis, without improvement. However, the lesions responded rapidly to systemic steroid therapy. On the basis of lesional morphologic features, peripheral eosinophilia, and cutaneous histopathologic features, a diagnosis of Wells' syndrome was made. Wells' syndrome is extremely rare in childhood, with 27 pediatric cases reported in the literature. Because it is seen so infrequently, there are no specific guidelines for evaluation and management of Wells' syndrome among children. The diagnosis should be considered for children with presumed cellulitis and eosinophilia who fail to respond to antibiotics. Evaluation should include a directed history, physical examination, complete blood count, and stool testing for ova and parasites, to identify potential triggers. Treatment is with systemic steroid therapy unless disease is limited, in which case medium/high-potency topical steroids may be indicated. If systemic features are prominent or disease is chronic (lasting >6 months), then a referral to hematology/oncology should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E Gilliam
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, 1701 Divisadero St, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Articular wear is considered to be a possible long-term complication of the use of stemmed, coupled elbow replacements with the capacity to correct deformity and restore function. There have been no reports on this topic, to our knowledge. METHODS A review of the results of 919 replacements with the semi-constrained linked Coonrad-Morrey total elbow implant, performed between 1981 and 2000, revealed that twelve patients (1.3%) had undergone an isolated exchange of the articular bushings as a result of polyethylene wear. The status of these patients was assessed clinically and radiographically. RESULTS The mean age of the twelve patients at the time of the initial total elbow replacement was forty-four years compared with a mean age of sixty-two years in the overall group (p < 0.001). Seven of the twelve patients had posttraumatic arthritis, and five had rheumatoid arthritis. Nine patients had extensive deformity. The group consisted of seven women and five men, and ten patients had involvement of the right dominant elbow. The mean age at the bushing revision was fifty-two years, and the bushings were revised at an average of 7.9 years after implantation. All twelve patients reported pain, and five reported crepitus or a squeaking sound. None had extensive osteolysis. The mean duration of follow-up after the bushing exchange was sixty-five months. The mean arc of motion improved from 89 degrees before the surgery to 109 degrees after it. Three of the twelve patients underwent an additional articular revision at fifty-three, fifty-four, and 136 months after the initial bushing exchange. At the time of final follow-up, all twelve patients had functioning elbows. CONCLUSIONS Isolated bushing exchange can be a successful revision procedure in patients with a semi-constrained linked total elbow prosthesis. Younger patients with a posttraumatic condition and/or severe pre-existing deformity are at greater risk for the development of excessive bushing wear. Patients should be cautioned against exceeding the recommended activity and lifting restrictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Lee
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
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Abstract
The human placenta is a highly invasive tumor-like structure in which a subpopulation of placental trophoblast cells known as the "extravillous trophoblast" (EVT) invades the uterine decidua and its vasculature to establish adequate fetal-maternal exchange of molecules. By utilizing in vitro-propagated short-lived EVT cell lines we found that molecular mechanisms responsible for their invasiveness are identical to those of cancer cells; however, unlike cancer cells, their proliferation, migration, and invasiveness in situ are stringently controlled by decidua-derived transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta. By SV40T antigen transfection of normal EVT cells followed by a forced crisis regimen in culture we produced an immortalized premalignant derivative that is hyperproliferative, hyperinvasive, and deficient in gap-junctional intercellular communication. Both premalignant and malignant EVT (JAR and JEG-3 choriocarcinoma) cell lines were found to be TGF-beta-resistant. Using these cell lines, we investigated genetic changes responsible for transition of the normal EVT cells to premalignant and malignant phenotype. Hyperinvasiveness in both cases resulted from a downregulation of tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease (TIMP)-1 and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 genes. In contrast to normal EVT cells, both cell types failed to upregulate these genes in response to TGF-beta. Loss of TGF-beta response in malignant EVT cells was explained by the loss of expression of Smad3 gene. Differential mRNA display of normal and premalignant EVT cells identified up- and down-regulation of numerous known or novel genes in premalignant EVT cells, with potential oncogenic and (or) tumor-suppressor functions, e.g., loss of fibronectin and insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP-5). Premalignant EVT cells also lost IGF receptor type 2 (IGFR-II). IGFBP-5 was shown to be a negative regulator of IGF-1-induced proliferation of premalignant EVT cells, so that loss of IGFBP-5 as well as IGFR-II permitted their unrestricted proliferation in an IGF-I-rich microenvironment of the fetal-maternal interface. The present model may be a good prototype for identifying genetic changes underlying epithelial tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- P K Lala
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
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Abstract
Tumorigenesis results from genetic alterations that occur in a stepwise manner giving rise to cells with increasingly cancer-like characteristics. We used in vitro propagated first trimester human extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells to identify genetic changes responsible for the transition of the EVT from a normal to premalignant stage. The model used consisted of a normal invasive EVT (HTR8) cell line and its premalignant derivative (RSVT2/C) generated by transfection with the SV40 Tag and selected using a forced crisis regimen. RSVT2/C display increased proliferative, migratory and invasive behavior, unresponsiveness to anti-proliferative and anti-invasive signals of TGFbeta and a deficiency in gap junctional intercellular communication. These cells, however, were unable to form colonies on soft agar or tumors in nude mice and are thus defined as premalignant. Differential display revealed 18 gene sequences, 7 with unknown and 11 with known identity, showing altered expression between the normal HTR8 and premalignant RSVT2/C cell lines. The known sequences include the potential tumor suppressors insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-5 and fibronectin (FN) and potential protooncogenes such as chromokinesin (KIF4), alternative splicing factor (SF2), dynein, DNA polymerase epsilon (DNApol epsilon) and NF-kappaB activating kinase (NAK). The role of the remaining 4 genes upregulated in the premalignant EVT is presently unknown and these are FK506 binding protein (FKBP) 25, histone protein (HP1Hs)-gamma, nucleoporin (Nup) 155 and an 82 kDa acidic human protein. The functional role of IGFBP-5 was examined in the control of proliferation, migration and invasiveness of RSVT2/C cells measured in vitro. IGFBP-5 alone had no effect on these properties of RSVT2/C cells. Furthermore, unlike normal EVT cells, RSVT2/C cells exhibited refractoriness to the migration stimulating signals of IGF-II, which was explained by the loss or downregulation of the IGF type 2 receptor (IGF-R2). RSVT2/C cells, however, expressed the IGF type 1 receptor (IGF-R1) and responded to IGF-I by increased proliferation. This response was blocked with increasing concentrations of IGFBP-5. These results suggest that the loss of IGFBP-5 and possibly IGF-R2, both of which can sequester IGF-I from IGF-R1, permits unhindered proliferation of the premalignant EVT in an IGF-I rich environment of the fetal-maternal interface. The functions of the other differentially expressed genes, some of which are essential for cell cycle progression or cell survival require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- B P Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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