American Association For The Study Of Liver Diseases Guidelines Research Articles

An analysis of the evidence underpinning the surgical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

e16278 Background: The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines on Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) surgery are based on evidence from many different systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs). Quality of these studies needs to be standardized. Methods: SRs and MAs cited in AASLD and NCCN HCC (2023) surgery guidelines were collated by two independent reviewers. An independent third reviewer acted as tie-breaker when necessary. The standardized assessment tools, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) were used to evaluate the quality of these studies. Quality of studies was determined based on adherence to items of the checklist. The PRISMA and AMSTAR checklists consist of 41 and 16 items, respectively. Results: Overall, 13 studies were identified, 9 from AASLD guidelines and 4 from the NCCN. Studies were published between 2007 and 2023, with 38% being published in the last 5 years. Studies had an average of 23,829 patients. Many of the studies (71%) reported use of the PRISMA checklist, but no studies cited the AMSTAR checklist. Studies had an average adherence of 68% to the PRISMA checklist, with a median of 76% (range 17-88%). 23% of studies adhered to less than half of the PRISMA checklist. Looking at the AMSTAR checklist, studies had an average adherence of 51%, with a median of 56% (range 4-72%). 31% of studies adhered to less than half the AMSTAR checklist. Adherence was lowest in items involving availability and accessibility of protocols, assessing risk of bias, and transparency of protocols. Additionally, no papers reported funding sources of their reviewed articles. Conclusions: There is significant room for improvement in MAs and SRs about HCC surgical management. Many quoted studies needed more rigorous methodology and quality control for conducting and reporting. It is important to fully investigate and communicate the biases present in MAs and SRs to readers. PRISMA and AMSTAR checklists can be used when reviewing and selecting evidence for future guideline development to offer the most complete and transparent understanding of data presented.

Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy for Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Infection and Decompensated Cirrhosis.

Patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and decompensated cirrhosis are an important population for antiviral therapy yet under-represented in clinical trials. HCV direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies, unlike interferon-containing regimens, can be safely utilized in decompensated patients. Per guidelines from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), therapy of choice in HCV and decompensated cirrhosis is sofosbuvir, an HCV polymerase inhibitor, combined with a replication complex inhibitor (NS5A inhibitor) with or without ribavirin. Combination therapy with a HCV protease inhibitor and an NS5A inhibitor is effective in this population but is specifically not recommended in AASLD guidelines due to safety concerns. Important risk factors for further decompensation during DAA therapy are serum albumin < 3.5g/dL, MELD (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease) score > 14, or HCV genotype 3 infection. Although sustained virologic response (SVR) is achieved less often in patients with decompensated vs compensated cirrhosis, in clinical studies response rates are > 80%. Both Child-Turcotte-Pugh Class at baseline and viral genotype can affect these response rates. Achieving SVR lowers risk of mortality, but to a lesser extent than in individuals with compensated cirrhosis. Likewise, treating patients for HCV infection along with successful treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma improves risks of both liver-related and overall mortality. In fewer than one third of cases, treating transplant-eligible, HCV-infected patients pre-transplant enables their delisting from transplant wait lists.

Impact of guideline adherence on the prognosis of Barcelona clinic liver cancer stage B hepatocellular carcinoma.

Patients with Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) stage B hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are considerably heterogeneous in terms of tumor burden, liver function, and performance status. To improve the poor survival outcomes of these patients, treatment approaches other than transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), which is recommended by HCC guidelines, have been adopted in real-world clinical practice. We hypothesize that this non-adherence to treatment guidelines, particularly with respect to the use of liver resection, improves survival in patients with stage B HCC. To assess guideline adherence in South Korean patients with stage B HCC and study its impact on survival. A retrospective analysis was conducted using data from 2008 to 2016 obtained from the Korea Central Cancer Registry. Patients with stage B HCC were categorized into three treatment groups, guideline-adherent, upward, and downward, based on HCC guidelines recommended by the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL), the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL), and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD). The primary outcome was HCC-related deaths; tumor recurrence served as the secondary outcome. Survival among the groups was compared using the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test. Predictors of survival outcomes were identified using multivariable Cox regression analysis. In South Korea, over the study period from 2008 to 2016, a notable trend was observed in adherence to HCC guidelines. Adherence to the EASL guidelines started relatively high, ranging from 77% to 80% between 2008 and 2012, but it gradually declined to 58.8% to 71.6% from 2013 to 2016. Adherence to the AASLD guidelines began at 71.7% to 75.9% from 2008 to 2010, and then it fluctuated between 49.2% and 73.8% from 2011 to 2016. In contrast, adherence to the APASL guidelines remained consistently high, staying within the range of 90.14% to 94.5% throughout the entire study period. Upward treatment, for example with liver resection, liver transplantation, or radiofrequency ablation, significantly improved the survival of patients with BCLC stage B HCC compared to that of patients treated in adherence to the guidelines (for patients analyzed according to the 2000 EASL guidelines, the 5-year survival rates were 63.4% vs 27.2%, P < 0.001), although results varied depending on the guidelines. Progression-free survival rates were also significantly improved upon the use of upward treatments in certain groups. Patients receiving upward treatments were typically < 70 years old, had platelet counts > 105/μL, and serum albumin levels ≥ 3.5 g/dL. Adherence to guidelines significantly influences survival in South Korean stage B HCC patients. Curative treatments outperform TACE, but liver resection should be selected with caution due to disease heterogeneity.

An excerpt from the 2023 AASLD practice guidelines: TIPS, variceal embolization, and retrograde transvenous embolization for the treatment of variceal hemorrhage

This is the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) comprehensive guideline on the application of endovascular interventional radiological procedures in the treatment of variceal bleeding, which supplements Risk Stratification and Management of Portal Hypertensive Bleeding in Cirrhosis by describing recent advances in invasive surgery. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) dates back to the 80s of the 20th century, and over the past few years, several new technical improvements have been made to TIPS stents. Another major treatment for gastric variceal bleeding in North America is the use of different forms of retrograde transvenous embolization. This guideline is intended to provide healthcare professionals with an in-depth understanding of the use of TIPS and/or variceal embolization/occlusion in the treatment of variceal bleeding, with the goal of facilitating multidisciplinary discussions on treatment strategies among hepatologists, gastroenterologists, interventional radiologists, and surgeons. Additionally, it provides a data-based approach to the endovascular treatment of variceal bleeding. However, it differs from the AASLD guidelines by being supported by a systematic review of the literature, a formal rating of the quality of the evidence, and the strength of the recommendations. Consequently, this guideline was developed by a consensus of an expert panel under the supervision of the AASLD Practice Guidelines Committee and provides guidance statements based on a comprehensive review and analysis of the literature on the relevant topic. Importantly, the AASLD Practice Guidelines Committee selected this topic because, for the most part, there are not a sufficient number of randomized controlled trials on this topic to provide meaningful systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Prevention of Vertical Transmission of Hepatitis B Within a North Carolina Hospital System

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major contributor to liver-related disease globally. Vertical transmission of hepatitis B can lead to devastating outcomes in neonates, making prevention of transmission essential. Fortunately, prevention is possible with evidence-based interventions via guidelines from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD). The purpose of this study was to assess compliance with AASLD guidelines at a tertiary referral hospital in North Carolina, and to suggest future quality improvement initiatives to improve care for this population. We performed a retrospective chart review, including data from all HBV-positive birthing persons at the tertiary referral hospital from April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2019. Data was then compared to AASLD guidelines. We identified 99 birthing persons who were hepatitis B positive at time of birth. Of the 99 birthing person/neonate dyads, nearly all infants received appropriate and timely HBV birth dose vaccination and HBIG administration. Risk status of HBV-infected birthing persons was completed in only 58% of this population. Of the individuals who were found to be high risk for vertical transmission of HBV, 75% received antiviral prophylaxis. This study provides a current assessment of prevention practices in vertical transmission of HBV compared to published guidelines. The tertiary hospital studied generally implemented AASLD recommendations for prevention of vertical transmission. However, our data revealed that appropriate risk status testing could be improved. With improvement in risk status testing, antiviral prophylaxis can be provided, decreasing the likelihood of breakthrough HBV vertical transmission. Follow-up for HBV-infected birthing persons and HBV-exposed neonates is also a priority. Achieving full compliance with AASLD guidelines to prevent vertical transmission of HBV is possible, and we provide structure for quality improvement initiatives that aim to accomplish this.

Malnutrition, Frailty, and Sarcopenia in Patients With Cirrhosis: 2021 Practice Guidance by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

Malnutrition, Frailty, and Sarcopenia in Patients With Cirrhosis: 2021 Practice Guidance by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

Diagnostic Criteria and LI-RADS for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Diagnostic Criteria and LI-RADS for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease: A Patient-Friendly Summary of the 2019 AASLD Guidelines.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease: A Patient-Friendly Summary of the 2019 AASLD Guidelines.

Prevalence of chronic hepatitis B phases in Eritrean patients: a laboratory-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundUnderstanding the natural history of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus infection is important for determining optimal management and predicting prognosis in patients. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of different phases of CHB infection among Eritrean patients and to identify the proportion of patients who are eligible for treatment according to the latest American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) guidelines.MethodsThis cross-sectional study enrolled 293 CHB patients (213 males and 80 females) between Jan 2017 and Feb 2019. The patients were classified into immune-tolerant, immune-active, and inactive CHB phases of the infection, which is based on the results of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) serological panel (HBsAg, anti-HBc total, HBeAg, and anti-HBe), ALT levels, and HBV DNA viral load. The 2018 AASLD guidelines were also used to identify patients who needed treatment.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 41.66 ± 13.84 years. Of these, 3 (1.0%) were at the immune tolerant phase, 58 (19.8%) at the immune-active CHB phase, and 232 (79.2%) at the inactive CHB phase. As most subjects (93%) were HBeAg-negative, based on AASLD guidelines, only 5 (1.7%) were currently eligible for treatment.ConclusionsOur data show that CHB patients in Eritrea were predominantly in the inactive CHB phase. Although initiating antiviral therapy is not recommended in these patients, periodic assessment of liver function and disease severity should be considered in patients older than 40 years. The immune-tolerant phase had the fewest patients, most of whom were aged above 20 years, attesting to the success of incorporating HBV vaccine in the national childhood immunization program since 2002. Our study shows that adopting AASLD treatment guidelines with adjustments to suit the local setting is a suitable option in the management of Eritrean CHB patients.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Recent Guideline Updates.

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1144. Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of Hepatitis B at UNC Hospitals

BackgroundHepatitis B virus (HBV) contributes to liver-related morbidity and mortality on a global scale. In mothers with active hepatitis B, up to 100% of mother-to-child-transmission (MTCT) is preventable. Guidelines from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) recommend that HBV vaccination and hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) be given to HBV-exposed infants in a timely manner to prevent up to 90% of MTCT. Additionally, AASLD guidelines recommend that women with high-risk HBV (those with viral load >200,000 IU/mL and/or HBV e antigen [HBeAg] positivity) receive tenofovir prophylaxis to further prevent MTCT. In this chart review, we compared UNC Hospital’s prevention of MTCT measures to standing AASLD guidelines.MethodsThis retrospective chart review included data from all HBV-positive mothers giving birth at UNC Hospitals from April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2019. We investigated the HBV status of mothers, time to neonatal HBV vaccination, time to HBIG administration, maternal HBV viral load, maternal HBeAg status, and whether tenofovir was provided for high-risk mothers. Data was then compared to AASLD guidelines distributed in January 2017.ResultsWe identified 99 HBV-positive pregnant women over a five-year period. The rate of timely administration of HBIG was 99%. The rate of timely hepatitis B vaccination was 97%. The single neonate who did not receive the HBV vaccination within 12 hours was born to a mother whose HBV testing was initially positive but confirmatory testing was negative. Most (65%) women had documented HBV viral load and 75% of women had HBeAg studies. Nine women were identified as high-risk, with only one not receiving tenofovir.ConclusionUNC Hospitals were compliant with AASLD guidelines regarding timely neonatal vaccination, providing nearly 99% of neonates with timely HBIG and all but three neonates with timely HBV vaccine. The majority of high-risk women identified received tenofovir prophylaxis. However, there is room for improvement in laboratory evaluation to identify other high-risk women. While initial data is reassuring, quality improvement measures include improving testing rate to determine risk status for HBV-positive mothers and further investigation of appropriate follow-up testing for both mothers and children.Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Diagnostic performance of ultrasonography-guided core-needle biopsy according to MRI LI-RADS diagnostic categories.

PurposeAccording to the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) guidelines, biopsy is a diagnostic option for focal hepatic lesions depending on the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) category. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of ultrasonography-guided core-needle biopsy (CNB) according to LI-RADS categories.MethodsA total of 145 High-risk patients for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) followed by CNB for a focal hepatic lesion preoperatively were retrospectively enrolled. Focal hepatic lesions on MRI were evaluated according to LI-RADS version 2018. Pathologic results were categorized into HCC, non-HCC malignancies, and benignity. The categorization was defined as correct when the CNB pathology and surgical pathology reports were identical. Nondiagnostic results were defined as inadequate CNB pathology findings for a specific diagnosis. The proportion of correct categorizations was calculated for each LI-RADS category, excluding nondiagnostic results.ResultsAfter excluding 16 nondiagnostic results, 131 lesions were analyzed (45 LR-5, 24 LR-4, 4 LR-3, and 58 LR-M). All LR-5 lesions were HCC, and CNB correctly categorized 97.8% (44/45) of LR-5 lesions. CNB correctly categorized all 24 LR-4 lesions, 16.7% (4/24) of which were non-HCC malignancies. All LR-M lesions were malignant, and 62.1% (36/58) were non-HCC malignancies. CNB correctly categorized 93.1% (54/58) of LR-M lesions, and 12.5% (3/24) of lesions with CNB results of HCC were confirmed as non-HCC malignancies.ConclusionIn agreement with AASLD guidelines, CNB could be helpful for LR-4 lesions, but is unnecessary for LR-5 lesions. In LR-M lesions, CNB results of HCC did not exclude non-HCC malignancy.

Compliance to the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) guidelines and its impact on overall survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

e16609 Background: The Barcelona-Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging based management proposed by AASLD depends on baseline liver function and performance status of the patient in addition to tumor characteristics. Low adherence to AASLD guidelines, especially in advanced staged tumors, can be ascribed to suboptimal revision/updates of the guidelines reflecting the advancements in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) management. Here, in addition to the adherence rate, we explored the overall survival of patients with HCC according to first-line treatment modality compliance to AASLD guidelines. Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted at the University of South Alabama/Mitchell Cancer Institute. Between 2017 and 2019, 148 unique treatment-naïve patients with HCC were identified. Patients were staged according to the BCLC staging system and their compliance with suggested first-line treatment modality according to AASLD guidelines was noted. Overall survival was explored and differences between overall survival rates of compliant and non-complaint patients were compared using the log-rank Wilcoxon test. Results: In our cohort, the median age was 72.5 years (range 38-90). Males represented 80%. Caucasians, African Americans, and other ethnicities (e.g. Asians) represented 68%, 30% and 2% respectively. The overall adherence rate was 83%. The adherence rate according to BCLC stage 0, A, B, C and D was 100%, 97%, 77%, 77% and 38% respectively. Compliance vs. non-compliance to AASLD guidelines showed no significant difference in overall survival of patients with BCLC stage 0-A, B and C. In patients with BCLC stage D (N = 13), compared to patients treated in compliance to AASLD guidelines (N = 5), patients treated in non-compliance (N = 8) had better overall survival (2.2 vs. 5.2 months, p = 0.0012). Conclusions: In our cohort, the adherence rate to AASLD treatment guidelines in patients with BCLC stage D was very low at 38%. Lack of adherence in this group of patients translated into better overall survival. The current AASLD guidelines for the management of HCC have several limitations, especially for advanced stages. In the last few years, the FDA approved several tyrosine kinase inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors and the monoclonal antibody, ramucirumab. This expansion generated the need for periodic updates/revisions of consensus guidelines.

Prospective Study of the Impact of Liver Biopsy Core Size on Specimen Adequacy and Procedural Complications.

An American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) consensus document stressed the importance of obtaining sufficient liver biopsy specimens to minimize sampling errors. Many centers continue to use smaller-diameter core systems to minimize perceived complication risks. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of core gauge (18- vs 16-gauge) on specimen adequacy and procedural complications. One hundred fifty patients referred for liver biopsy were randomized to undergo 16- or 18-gauge ultrasound (US)-guided core biopsy. Hemorrhage was qualitatively evaluated, and pain was assessed using a 10-point rating scale. The length and number of portal tracts per specimen were assessed. On the basis of the AASLD guidelines, specimen adequacy was defined as 11 or more portal tracts. Differences in pathology metrics and pain scoring were assessed using chi-square and linear regression models. No significant hemorrhage occurred in either group, and there was no difference in postbiopsy pain scores. The mean specimen length obtained with 16-gauge needles was less than that obtained with 18-gauge needles (1.7 vs 1.9 cm, p = 0.03). The mean number of portal tracts obtained with 16-gauge biopsies was greater than obtained with 18-gauge systems (14 vs 13, p = 0.03); 85% of 16-gauge biopsy specimens and 80% of 18-gauge biopsy specimens were adequate on the basis of the AASLD criteria, although this difference was not statistically significant. US-guided 18- and 16-gauge core biopsies are similarly safe. A large percentage of 18- or 16-gauge specimens are inadequate when AASLD quality control adequacy thresholds are applied, and specimen adequacy is not significantly affected by biopsy gauge.

Adherence Rates to Recommended Guidelines for Paracentesis in Cirrhotic Patients at a Tertiary Care Center and Associated Complications

Introduction: Ascites is the leading cause of hospitalization in cirrhotic patients. The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) provides guidelines regarding paracentesis. While many providers give platelets and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) prior to paracentesis, AASLD discourages this as its evidence in reducing bleeds or morbidity is lacking. Regarding albumin infusion, AASLD reports survival benefit if given after large volume paracentesis (LVP), fluid removal greater than 4-5L. Nonadherence to these recommendations may result in poor outcomes, such as volume overload and acute kidney injury (AKI). We describe the results of adherence to guidelines for LVP in cirrhotic patients at a tertiary care center in the hopes of providing quality improvement and improving overall survival. Methods: We retrospectively constructed an inpatient cohort of consecutive patients eligible for paracentesis admitted to MGUH from Jan 2011-Sept 2015 (Table 1). Eligible patients had 1 of 3 primary diagnoses- ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, or hepatic encephalopathy (HE)- and a secondary diagnosis of cirrhosis. Cases of HE required ascites as a secondary diagnosis. The independent variable was chart reviewed, verifying receipt of any LVP during hospitalization. The primary outcome variable was receipt of IV albumin. Secondary outcomes included receipt of FFP or platelets; AKI; and inpatient mortality. The chi square test was employed for all analyses.Table: Table. Patient DemographicsResults: Of the 280 cases that met eligibility criteria, 177 had any paracentesis--119 were diagnostic and 58 were LVPs. When compared with diagnostic paracentesis, receipt of LVP was associated with receipt of IV albumin (p<0.001). However, only 64% of patients undergoing LVPs received albumin. LVP was not associated with receipt of blood products. Of patients undergoing LVP, 22.2% and 17.3% received FFP and platelets respectively (Table 2).Table: No Caption availableConclusion: Our preliminary data shows room for improvement with regard to paracentesis and adherence to AASLD guidelines. IV albumin is not universally administered for LVPs; and potentially unnecessary blood products are being administered in a minority of patients undergoing paracentesis. Improved adherence to guidelines could result in fewer cases of volume overload and post-LVP AKI. Future safety interventions aimed at optimizing inpatient paracentesis practice can utilize these data as baseline to which post-intervention data can be compared.

Understanding LI-RADS, Its Relationship to AASLD and OPTN, and the Challenges of Its Adoption

Imaging-based diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is incorporated in many clinical guidelines on the management of HCC. However, there is variability in the diagnostic criteria for HCC and lack of precise definitions for imaging characteristics. With the intent of standardization and maintaining compatibility with the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) was developed as a system for standardizing the performance, interpretation, and reporting of CT and MRI in patients at high risk of HCC. It precisely defines the terms and imaging features used in the diagnostic algorithm with the aid of a lexicon and illustrative atlas. While it is a comprehensive system, the challenges to its adoption are not trivial and can be controversial. A better understanding of the purpose and the limitation of the system can help in building consensus within and across disciplines. In this paper, we describe LI-RADS and its relationship to AASLD and OPTN guidelines. The LR-5 category is essentially equivalent to OPTN class 5 with few minor exceptions. LR-5 has been expanded to also encompass the AASLD definition of HCC. LR-4, LR-3, and LR-2 allow for more granular classification of indeterminate lesions. We highlight the advantages of the system and try to address the challenges that may impede or delay its adoption. We also review the emerging literature on its validation emphasizing that since LR-5 is designed to be specific, many HCCs will not meet LR-5 criteria and most of them will be LR-4.

Low adherence of HIV providers to practice guidelines for hepatocellular carcinoma screening in HIV/hepatitis B coinfection.

In the era of combination therapy for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are major causes of death for patients coinfected with HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV). This study compared HIV provider and hepatologist awareness of and adherence to the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) practice guidelines for chronic HBV management. The primary endpoint of HIV provider adherence to HCC screening recommendations was compared to that of hepatologists at a large metropolitan academic medical center. Medical record database searches by ICD-9 codes were used to identify HIV/HBV coinfected (n = 144) and HBV monoinfected (n = 225) patients who were seen at least twice over a 2-year period in outpatient clinics. Adherence to AASLD guidelines was assessed by chart review. Provider awareness was evaluated through a voluntary anonymous survey with knowledge-based questions. Over a 2-year period, only 36.0% of HIV/HBV coinfected patients seen in HIV practices completed HCC screening compared to 81.8% of HBV monoinfected patients in hepatology practices (P < .00001). Similarly, HIV providers less frequently monitored HBV viral load (P < .0001), HBeAg/anti-HBe (P < .00001), HBsAg/anti-HBs (P < .00001) than hepatologists but screened more often for hepatitis A immunity (P = .028). Self-reported adherence and knowledge scores were similar among 19 HIV providers and 16 hepatologists. HIV providers ordered significantly fewer HCC screening and HBV monitoring tests than hepatologists within a single academic medical center. In the setting of increased reliance on quality indicators for care, both patients and providers will benefit from greater adherence to established guidelines.

Biopsy for liver cancer: How to balance research needs with evidence‐based clinical practice

Biopsy for liver cancer: How to balance research needs with evidence‐based clinical practice

Adherence to American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) Guidelines and Predictors of Readmission in Cirrhotic Patients: A Single Center Experience

Introduction: Liver cirrhosis (LC) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in the United States. American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD) has developed guidelines for the management of patients with LC. Methods: We conducted a one-year retrospective chart review study of patients admitted with LC related complication. Our primary outcome was adherence to AASLD guidelines for the management of variceal bleeding (VB), fluid overload and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) screening, and secondary outcome was re-admission rate within 30 days of discharge. Results: A total of 139 patients were reviewed. Majority were males (65%) and Caucasians (65%). The admission indication was mainly for fluid overload (39%), hepatic encephalopathy (36%) and VB (27%). The one-month readmission rate was 31%, of those 47% and 37% were admitted for hepatic encephalopathy and fluid overload respectively. Periodic screening for HCC was done in only 40% of patients. Ninety-five percent of patients admitted with VB received PPI, octreotride and antibiotics. Diet education was only documented in 9% of patients on discharge. Significant predictors for 30-day readmission included high MELD score, elevated creatinine, and taking diuretics/lactulose before hospitalization in addition to shorter length of stay. Conclusion: Compliance with AASLD guidelines was optimal for patients with VB. Further optimization is required for HCC screening and patient education. Multiple factors play a role in readmissions for patients with cirrhosis; this model helps to identify patients at risk for readmission and opens an area for quality improvement measures to avoid unnecessary hospitalizations.

HBV DNA level could predict significant liver fibrosis in HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis B patients with biopsy indication.

BackgroundNon-invasive models and methods to substitute liver biopsy in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients were investigated but their roles as predictors of significant liver histology for diagnosis of HBeAg-negative CHB patients who had indication for liver biopsy according to The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and The Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) guidelines are still unknown. This study was designed to identify predictors of significant liver necroinflammation as defined by a Histology Activity Index of necroinflammatory score ≥ 4 or Metavir necroinflammatory activity score ≥ 2 and significant liver fibrosis as defined by a Metavir fibrosis score ≥ 2 in HBeAg-negative CHB patients that had a hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA level ≥ 2,000 IU/ml and age ≥ 40 years or elevated alanine aminotransferase level between 1–2 times the upper limit of normal.MethodsTwenty-two patients were prospectively included and performed liver biopsies. Clinical and laboratory parameters including age, gender, underlying disease, family history of cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma, body mass index (BMI), HBV DNA level, HBsAg level, liver function test, complete blood count, aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index and transient elastography were collected and analyzed with liver histology profiles.ResultsFive patients (23%) had significant liver inflammation and 7 patients (32%) had significant liver fibrosis. Factors associated with significant liver inflammation were a lower BMI and higher alkaline phosphatase level while a factor associated with significant liver fibrosis was lower age. On multivariate analysis, only HBV DNA level > 5.5 log IU/ml could predict significant liver fibrosis (odds ratio 28.012, 95% CI, 1.631-481.240, p = 0.022) and its sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 71.4%, 93.3%, 83.3% and 87.5% respectively.ConclusionsAn HBV DNA level of > 5.5 log IU/ml was able to predict significant liver fibrosis for treatment of HBeAg-negative CHB patients that had indication for liver biopsy as recommended by AASLD and APASL guidelines.