1
|
Khazaaleh S, Alomari M, Sharma S, Kapila N, Zervos XB, Gonzalez AJ. COVID-19 in liver transplant patients: Impact and considerations. World J Transplant 2023; 13:1-9. [PMID: 36687560 PMCID: PMC9850867 DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v13.i1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has significantly impacted liver transplantation worldwide, leading to major effects on the transplant process, including the pretransplant, perioperative, and post-transplant periods. It is believed that patients with chronic liver disease, especially those with cirrhosis, have a higher risk of complications from coronavirus disease 2019 infection compared to the general population. However, evaluation of coronavirus disease 2019 effects on liver transplant patients has not uniformly demonstrated worse outcomes. Nonetheless, the pandemic created significant challenges and restrictions on transplant policies and organ allocation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shrouq Khazaaleh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital, Cleveland, OH 44126, United States
| | - Mohammad Alomari
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, United States
| | - Sanskriti Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, WellStar Atlanta Medical Center, Atlanta, GA 30312, United States
| | - Nikhil Kapila
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, United States
| | - Xaralambos Bobby Zervos
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, United States
| | - Adalberto Jose Gonzalez
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Khazaaleh S, Suarez ZK, Alomari M, Rashid MU, Handa A, Gonzalez AJ, Zervos XB, Kapila N. Liver transplantation amidst the COVID-19 era: Our center’s experience. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:316-321. [PMID: 36686357 PMCID: PMC9850982 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i2.316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 significantly impacted the liver transplant process worldwide. Consequently, it brought significant challenges and limitations to transplant policies and organ allocation forcing liver transplant centers to adjust their protocols to ensure maximum benefit and avoid harm to their patients. Our center, like many others, was obliged to adapt to the challenges. This paper provided an overview of the effects of coronavirus disease 2019 on liver transplantations and detailed our center’s experience and efforts during this unprecedented pandemic to serve as a guide for future public health crises.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shrouq Khazaaleh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital, Cleveland, OH 44126, United States
| | - Zoilo Karim Suarez
- Department of Internal Medicine, Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Boca Raton, FL 33431, United States
| | - Mohammad Alomari
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, United States
| | - Mamoon Ur Rashid
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, United States
| | - Armaan Handa
- Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin 11111, United Kingdom
| | - Adalberto Jose Gonzalez
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, United States
| | - Xaralambos Bobby Zervos
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, United States
| | - Nikhil Kapila
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ismail B, Benrajab KM, Bejarano P, Ruiz P, Sears D, Tzakis A, Zervos XB. Benign course of residual inflammation at end of treatment of liver transplant recipients after sofosbuvir based therapy. World J Hepatol 2022; 14:602-611. [PMID: 35582292 PMCID: PMC9055203 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v14.i3.602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistent inflammation on histology after successful hepatitis C (HCV) treatment has been reported. However, data regarding the long-term impact in liver transplant recipients is limited, particularly after using direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies.
AIM To evaluate the impact of successful treatment with DAAs on histological changes and occult HCV and to describe the clinical course of residual inflammation in liver transplant recipients.
METHODS We conducted a case series of 13 chronic HCV infected liver transplant recipients successfully treated with DAAs between December 2013 and May 2014. All patients were treated for 24 wk and had non-detectable serum HCV RNA by the time of biopsy. Only patients with at least one liver biopsy at or after treatment were included. We examined liver biopsies for evidence of residual inflammation and the presence of intrahepatic HCV RNA.
RESULTS Persistent inflammation was seen in 12/13 patients on end of treatment biopsy. Inflammation was still seen in the available five follow-up biopsies (range 38-48 wk after the end of treatment). Intrahepatic HCV RNA was undetectable in all biopsies. All patients had preserved graft function for a mean follow-up of 2.5 years, except one that developed chronic rejection.
CONCLUSION After successful HCV treatment with DAAs, liver transplant recipients may have persistent inflammation on biopsy without evidence of intracellular RNA. The clinical outcome remained favorable in most patients. Further studies with a larger number and longer follow-up are needed to establish the implication of this finding on long-term graft function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bahaaeldeen Ismail
- Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
| | - Karim M Benrajab
- Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
| | - Pablo Bejarano
- Department of Pathology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, United States
| | - Phillip Ruiz
- Department of Pathology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, United States
| | - Debbie Sears
- Department of Liver Transplant, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, United States
| | - Andreas Tzakis
- Department of Liver Transplant, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gonzalez AJ, Kapila N, Thomas E, Pinna A, Tzakis A, Zervos XB. Managing liver transplantation during the COVID-19 pandemic: A survey among transplant centers in the Southeast United States. World J Hepatol 2021; 13:2161-2167. [PMID: 35070016 PMCID: PMC8727207 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i12.2161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a profound worldwide impact. Indeed, it has led to a vast decrease in organ transplantation, including liver transplants (LT). There is little data regarding adjustments made by LT centers as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
AIM To assess the experience of LT centers in the United States during the pandemic.
METHODS We performed an observational survey study from May 11, 2020 to June 5, 2020. We sent out a 13 question survey to 15 LT centers across the southeastern United States.
RESULTS Eleven LT centers responded to the survey. We found that (11/11) 100% of transplant centers made adjustments because of the COVID-19 pandemic. At least 50% of transplant centers had at least one transplant recipient infected with COVID-19. To adjust, greater than 50% of centers performed fewer LT, 100% of patients were tested for COVID-19, and most centers implemented a virtual platform.
CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic greatly affected liver transplantation in the southeastern United States. It was evident that a concerted effort was made by LT centers to protect their patients and employees from COVID-19 but also to continue the life-saving procedure of LT in this sick patient population. Further studies are needed to assess how LT centers around the world managed the pandemic in order to learn strategies to continue life-saving procedures in this patient population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nikhil Kapila
- Department of Transplant, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, United States
| | - Emmanuel Thomas
- Schiff Center for Liver Diseases, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, United States
- Sylvester Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, United States
| | - Antonio Pinna
- Department of Transplant, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, United States
| | - Andreas Tzakis
- Department of Transplant, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Castaneda D, Gonzalez AJ, Alomari M, Tandon K, Zervos XB. From hepatitis A to E: A critical review of viral hepatitis. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:1691-1715. [PMID: 33967551 PMCID: PMC8072198 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i16.1691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral infections affecting the liver have had an important impact on humanity, as they have led to significant morbidity and mortality in patients with acute and chronic infections. Once an unknown etiology, the discovery of the viral agents triggered interest of the scientific community to establish the pathogenesis and diagnostic modalities to identify the affected population. With the rapid scientific and technological advances in the last centuries, controlling and even curing the infections became a possibility, with a large focus on preventive medicine through vaccination. Hence, a comprehensive understanding of hepatitis A, B, C, D and E is required by primary care physicians and gastroenterologists to provide care to these patients. The review article describes the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnostic tools and current medication regimens, with a focus on upcoming treatment options and the role of liver transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Castaneda
- Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, United States
| | | | - Mohammad Alomari
- Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, United States
| | - Kanwarpreet Tandon
- Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kapila N, Khalloufi KA, Flocco G, Menon KN, Lindenmeyer C, Reino D, Vanatta JM, Ebaid S, Tzakis A, Zervos XB. Transplantation of HCV Viremic Livers into HCV Viremic Recipients Followed by Direct-acting Antiviral Therapy. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2019; 7:122-126. [PMID: 31293911 PMCID: PMC6609846 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2019.00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims: Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected organs are underutilized. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) therapy in HCV viremic patients who are transplanted with a liver from a HCV viremic donor. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study, including patients seen from July 2015 to April 2017. HCV viremic patients transplanted with a liver from a HCV viremic donor and subsequently treated with DAAs were included. Outcomes assessed included undetectable viral load at 12 weeks after completing DAA therapy (sustained virologic response, SVR12), adverse events, and interactions with immunosuppression. Results: Twenty-four HCV viremic recipients received livers from HCV viremic donors. Median age was 63 years, and the majority (79.2%) were genotype 1a. Donors and recipients were viremic at the time of transplant. Median modified model for end-stage liver disease score was 19, and median time on the waitlist was 81 days. Median time from transplant to initiation of DAA therapy was 123 days. Several DAA regimens were used and 15 (62.5%) patients did not receive ribavirin. Treatment duration ranged from 12 to 24 weeks. Twenty-three (95.8%) patients achieved SVR12. Five (20.8%) patients developed adverse events; however, none required DAA discontinuation. Conclusions: DAA therapy was efficacious and well tolerated in HCV viremic recipients who underwent liver transplantation from a HCV viremic donor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Kapila
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL, USA
| | | | - Gianina Flocco
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - K.V. Narayanan Menon
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Diego Reino
- Department of Transplant, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL, USA
| | - Jason M. Vanatta
- Department of Transplant, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL, USA
| | - Samer Ebaid
- Department of Transplant, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL, USA
| | - Andreas Tzakis
- Department of Transplant, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL, USA
| | - Xaralambos Bobby Zervos
- Department of Transplant, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL, USA
- *Correspondence to: Xaralambos Bobby Zervos, Department of Transplant, Cleveland Clinic Florida, 2950 Cleveland Clinic Boulevard, Weston, FL 33331, USA. Tel: +1-954-659-5133, Fax: +1-954-659-6731, E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|