Search

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE), a subtype of delirium, is common in cirrhosis and associated with poor outcomes. Yet, objective bedside screening tools for HE are lacking. We examined the relationship between an established screening tool for delirium, Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) and short-term outcomes while comparing its performance with previously established measures of cognitive function such as West Haven criteria (WHC). Prospectively enrolled adults with cirrhosis who completed the CAM-ICU from 6/2014–6/2018 were followed for 90 days. Blinded provider-assigned West Haven Criteria (WHC) and other measures of cognitive function were collected. Logistic regression was used to test associations between CAM-ICU status and outcomes. Mortality prediction by CAM-ICU status was assessed using Area under the Receiver Operating Characteristics curves (AUROC). Of 469 participants, 11% were CAM-ICU(+), 55% were male and 94% were White. Most patients were Childs-Pugh class C (59%). CAM-ICU had excellent agreement with WHC (Kappa = 0.79). CAM-ICU(+) participants had similar demographic features to those CAM-ICU(-), but had higher MELD (25 vs. 19, p < 0.0001), were more often admitted to the ICU (28% vs. 7%, p < 0.0001), and were more likely to be admitted for HE and infection. CAM-ICU(+) participants had higher mortality (inpatient:37% vs. 3%, 30-day:51% vs. 11%, 90-day:63% vs. 23%, p < 0.001). CAM-ICU status predicted mortality with AUROC of 0.85, 0.82 and 0.77 for inpatient, 30-day and 90-day mortality, respectively. CAM-ICU easily screens for delirium/HE, has excellent agreement with WHC, and identifies a hospitalized cirrhosis cohort with high short-term mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) results in an increased risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Only 15% of baby boomers (born 1945–1965) have ever been screened. We aimed to develop a multilevel intervention to increase HCV screening for baby boomers in a primary care setting. This study included two phases: intervention development (phase 1) and feasibility testing (phase 2). In phase 1, we partnered with a Community Advisory Board and a Provider Advisory Board to develop a multilevel intervention to increase HCV screening to be delivered to both providers and patients in primary care. Phase 2 assessed intervention feasibility, acceptability, and usability by conducting Concurrent Think Aloud (CTA) interviews and surveys using previously validated scales with patients (n = 8) and providers (n = 7). Phase 1 results: The patient-level intervention included a mailed reminder letter and CDC pamphlet and a 7-min in-clinic educational video. The provider-level intervention included a 30-min educational session and monthly performance feedback e-mails. Phase 2 results: Qualitatively, both the patient and provider-level intervention were feasible, acceptable, and usable by the target audiences. Quantitatively, on a 1–4 scale, the range of patient-level scores was 3.00–4.00 and provider level was 3.50–4.00 for feasibility, acceptability, and usability. This intervention could improve HCV screening among a high-risk population and therefore reduce HCV-related morbidity and mortality. This project developed a feasible, acceptable, and usable multilevel intervention aimed at increasing HCV screening in primary care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: We aim to review 1) the changing epidemiology of liver disease and the impact that systematic differences in the opportunities for ethnic and racial minorities to gain access to care have had on mortality and 2) community interventions aimed at reducing disparities. Recent Findings: There continues to be disparities in acute/chronic viral hepatitis. The success of the campaign to eliminate viral hepatitis depends on innovative initiatives like home-based screening in highest risk communities and improved access to treatment. We describe increasing rates of high-risk drinking and a need for culturally tailored treatment. We discuss rising rates of non-alcohol associated fatty liver disease and the need for improved education of patients and providers. Data on disparities in mortality in cholestatic liver diseases are emerging; qualitative data on barriers to care are needed. Summary: Understanding racial disparities in liver disease is only the first step. Achieving health equity will take innovative initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is rare in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). However, the overall burden of AIH cirrhosis in causing HCC and patients' risk factors are not well understood.Aims: To characterize the proportion of HCC linked to AIH at a large academic health center, and to identify variables associated with HCC in patients with AIH in a case-control study design.Methods: Over a 14.5-year period, medical records of all patients with HCC were reviewed. Cases are AIH patients identified from the cohort, and controls are patients with AIH without HCC. Three controls were randomly chosen from the Genetic Repository of Autoimmune Liver Disease and Coexisting Exposures database for each eligible case.Results: Out of 1250 eligible patients, 20 were linked to AIH (1.6%). Their median age was 64 years, 40% men and 100% Caucasian. Ten percent of AIH patients did not have evidence of cirrhosis at HCC diagnosis. The proportion of HCCs due to AIH decreased during the time intervals of the study. Compared to controls, cases were more likely men (40.0% vs. 18%, p = 0.049), with longer AIH duration (median 16 years vs. 5 years, p = 0.004). Prolonged AIH duration (OR 1.68, p = 0.006) and older age (OR 1.15, p = 0.049) were risk factors for HCC.Conclusions: AIH is a rare cause (1.6%) for HCC in Midwestern USA with a decreasing trend over 14.5 years. Ten percent of AIH-HCC patients did not have cirrhosis at time of HCC diagnosis. Patients with prolonged duration of the disease and older age are at high risk to develop HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]