Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire Research Articles

Mental Health, Quality of Life, and Stigmatization in Danish Patients with Liver Disease.

The mental health of patients with liver diseases is often overlooked when assessing their overall health and planning care and treatment. The aim of this study was to assess anxiety, depression, hopelessness, quality of life, and the perception of stigmatization in a large cohort of patients with chronic liver disease of different aetiology and severity, as well as to identify predictors associated with mental health disorders. A total of 340 patients completed a survey assessing mental health using the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Hopelessness Scale, and the Major Depression Inventory. Quality of life was measured with the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire and the European Quality-of-Life visual analogue scale. To assess stigmatization, validated questions from the Danish Nationwide Survey of Patient Experiences were used. Predictors associated with anxiety, hopelessness, and depression were analysed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Overall, 15% of the patients had moderate or severe anxiety, 3% had moderate or pronounced hopelessness, and 8% had moderate or severe depression. The prevalence of all three was highest in patients with cirrhosis and was associated with a low quality of life. More patients with cirrhosis had perceived stigmatization compared to patients with liver disease without cirrhosis, which affected their self-perception, and more than one-third of the patients refrained from telling others about their liver disease. The results emphasize the need for increased focus on mental health problems and awareness on preventing the discrimination of patients with liver disease.

Is fatigue related to the severity of liver inflammation in patients with chronic liver disease? A cross-sectional study

ObjectivesFatigue is common in patients with chronic liver disease; however, its pathogenesis is unclear. This study aimed to provide insights into the pathogenesis of chronic liver disease-related fatigue by assessing...

Higher levels of supportive care needs are linked to higher health service use and cost, poor quality of life, and high distress in patients with cirrhosis in Queensland, Australia.

Australians with cirrhosis have significant practical and psychosocial needs. This longitudinal study examined the association between supportive care needs and health service use and costs, and patient outcomes from June 2017 to December 2018. The Supportive Needs Assessment tool for Cirrhosis (SNAC), quality of life (Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire and Short Form 36), and distress (distress thermometer) were self-reported through an interview at recruitment (n=433). Clinical data were obtained from medical records and through linkage, and health service use and costs through linkage. Patients were grouped as by needs status. Rates of hospital admissions (per person days at risk) and costs were assessed by needs status [incidence rate ratios (IRR), Poisson regression]. Multivariable linear regression was used to assess the differences in SNAC scores by quality of life and distress. Multivariable models included Child-Pugh class, age, sex, recruitment hospital, living arrangements, place of residence, comorbidity burden, and primary liver disease etiology. In adjusted analyses, compared with patients with low/no needs, patients with unmet needs had more cirrhosis-related admissions (adjusted IRR=2.11, 95% CI=1.48-3.13; p<0.001), admissions through the emergency department (IRR=2.99, 95% CI=1.80-4.97, p<0.001), and emergency presentations (IRR=3.57, 95% CI=1.41-9.02; p<0.001). Total hospitalization costs for cirrhosis admissions were higher for those with unmet needs ($431,242 per person days at risk) compared with those with met needs ($87,363 per person days at risk, adjusted cost ratio=3.52, 95%CI=3.49-3.54; p<0.001). In multivariable analysis, increasing overall mean SNAC scores (higher needs) were correlated with poorer quality of life and higher level of distress (p<0.001 for all comparisons). Patients with cirrhosis and high unmet psychosocial needs and practical and physical needs have poor quality of life, high distress, and very high service use and costs, highlighting the importance of urgently addressing unmet needs.

Development and validation of a primary sclerosing cholangitis-specific health-related quality of life instrument: CLDQ-PSC.

To understand the full impact of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) on patients' health, it is important to assess their health-related quality of life (HRQL). Using the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ), we aimed to develop and validate a PSC-specific HRQL instrument. Previously collected clinical and patient-reported outcome data from PSC patients were used. The original CLDQ with 29 items was subjected to item reduction, followed by factor analysis. A standard HRQL instrument validation pipeline was then applied to the new CLDQ-PSC. There were 100 PSC patients (44±13y, 32% male, 79% college educated, 39% cirrhosis, 67% inflammatory bowel disease, 66% ulcerative colitis, and 50% on ursodeoxycholic acid After item reduction and exploratory factor analysis, there were 24 items and 5 factors left; based on factor loadings, the factors were named emotional function, fatigue, symptoms, worry, and sleep. Internal consistency assessment returned Cronbach alpha 0.85-0.94, item-to-own domain correlations >0.66 for 22/24 items. Known-groups validity suggests discrimination between PSC patients with and without cirrhosis or its complications, obesity, history of depression, weight loss, and PSC patients on versus not on ursodeoxycholic acid (p<0.05 for all or select CLDQ-PSC domains). Relevant items of Short Form-36 and CLDQ-PSC were highly correlated (all p<0.0001). Matching with items of another PSC-specific instrument (PSC-patient-reported outcome; 42 items) for relevance and redundancy suggests that CLDQ-PSC is a relevant, comprehensive, and short HRQL instrument, which can be used for patients with PSC. The CLDQ-PSC is a PSC-specific HRQL instrument that was developed using an established methodology and demonstrated good psychometric characteristics.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Covert Hepatic Encephalopathy in Cirrhotic Patients: A Multicenter Study in China.

We aimed to determine the prevalence of covert hepatic encephalopathy (CHE) in cirrhotic patients from China and to investigate its risk factors. A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted from January 2021 to March 2022 in 16 centers to investigate the impact factors of CHE and establish a prognostic model for CHE episodes. Totally 528 patients were enrolled in the analysis. Based on the anomalies of both PHES and Stroop test results, the prevalence of CHE was 50.4% (266/528), and the consistency between these two tests was 68.9%. Advanced age (OR = 1.043; 95% CI: 1.022-1.063, P < 0.001), low education level (OR = 0.891; 95% CI: 0.832-0.954, P = 0.001), poor Child-Pugh score (OR = 1.142; 95% CI: 1.029-1.464, P = 0.025), and high BUN concentration (OR = 1.126; 95% CI: 1.038-1.2221, P = 0.004) were associated with CHE episodes. According to the chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ), CHE patients had lower scores for abdominal symptoms and systemic symptoms (P < 0.001), which reflected the poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL). According to the stepwise Cox regression hazard model analysis, we established a nomogram for determining the probabilities of CHE episodes, and the AUC was 0.733 (95% CI: 0.679-0.788) in the training cohort and 0.713 (95% CI: 0.628-0.797) in the validation cohort. CHE was a common complication of cirrhosis in China. It is necessary to carry out more large-scale studies with longer follow-up periods to determine the natural history of Chinese CHE patients. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Reliability and validity of the Chinese version of chronic liver disease questionnaire-nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a multicenter cross-sectional survey in China.

The Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ)-Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a disease-specific instrument to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of patients with NAFLD. In order to provide further evidence for the cross-cultural utility of this instrument in the Chinese population, we translated the CLDQ-NAFLD into Chinese and examined its reliability and validity. Patients with NAFLD in 90 hospitals across China were enrolled in this multicenter cross-sectional survey. Eligible patients completed the Chinese version of CLDQ-NAFLD at enrollment to assess HRQL. Internal consistency of the questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient and split-half reliability. Convergent and discriminant validity were assessed using Spearman correlation coefficient. Factor analysis was used to test the construct validity. Between March and August 2019, 5181 patients with a mean age of 43.8 ± 13.3years were enrolled. All domains exhibited good internal consistency, with Cronbach's alpha and split-half reliability greater than 0.70. The scaling success rate of all domains was 100% for convergent validity and 99.4% (179/180) for discriminant validity. The inter-scale correlations indicated a significant correlation between all CLDQ-NAFLD domains (r = 0.608 to 0.832, all p < 0.001). Factor analysis of 36 items extracted 6 factors, which explained 69.14% of the total variance. The Chinese version of CLDQ-NAFLD is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing the HRQL of Chinese patients with NAFLD.

Validation and exploratory factor analysis of Urdu Version of Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire.

To present and validate psychometric properties of Urdu version CLDQ, yet another objective was to do exploratory factorial analysis (EFA) of CLDQ Urdu version. This Cross-sectional Analytical Study was conducted at Dr. Ruth K.M. Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi during the period Nov. 15, 2021 to Jan. 30, 2022. CLDQ Urdu questionnaire was self-administered by the patients. The questionnaire consisted of 29 items and responses were recorded on 7-point Likert type scale. Reliability testing was done by Cronbach's α, test value of >0.7 is taken as reliable. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted with principal component analysis with varimax rotation. Adequacies for conduction of EFA depended on Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) value of ≥0.5 and Bartlett's Test of Sphericity (BTS) of ≤0.05. Mean CLDQ Urdu scores were also compared with Child Class using ANOVA and post-hoc analysis was done. A total of 320 patients were selected after informed consent. All conditions for adequate EFA were met (Cronbach's α =.949; KMO = .846; BTS ≤.001). Mean CLDQ Urdu score was 156.74 in male and 133.27 in female (p<.001). Child Class-A had best quality of life with score of 186.63 ±6.91 and Child Class-C had the worst with scores of 109.78 ±21.33. EFA resulted in reduction of domains to 4 (Muscular Symptoms, Emotional Symptoms, Abdominal Symptoms & Somnolence) & reduced the number of items from 29 to 11. Urdu CLDQ version is validated in our settings. EFA resulted in reductions in number of domains and items. CLDQ Urdu showed that quality of life decreases significantly with Child Class.

The Quality of Life After Liver Transplantation-The First Experience from Serbia.

Background: Liver transplantation (LT) is the most effective treatment for patients with end-stage liver disease, which dramatically effects patient's quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of socio-demographic and clinical factors on different QoL domains of patients who underwent orthotopic LT. Methods: A cross-sectional study included a total of 43 patients who underwent a LT from 2013 to 2018. Socio-demographic and clinical data were recorded in each patient. The QoL was estimated using two validated questionnaires: 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ). Results: Male patients obtained significantly higher scores than women, in the domains of general health perception (83.2 ± 16.3 vs. 71.0 ± 18.4; t = 2.229, p = .031) and physical component summary (69.0 ± 7.2 vs. 62.0 ± 11.4; t = 2.451, p = .019). There were no significant differences in other domains of SF-36 and CLDQ. Etiology of the underlying liver disease and the presence of post-transplant complications showed no effect on score values of SF-36 and CDLQ domains (p < .05). Time from LT showed negative medium correlation with role limitations due to physical health problems (S = -0.417, p = .005), while no other significant correlations were noted in other items of SF-36 and CLDQ. Conclusions: Men had higher scores in the domain of general health perception and physical component summary following LT than women. With the increase in time from LT, patients experience a decrease in limitations due to physical health problems. The audit and improvement of QoL is an essential part of the individualized long-term health-care approach to LT patients.

Differences in the pattern and cost of hospital care between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians with cirrhosis: an exploratory study.

Liver diseases are important contributors to the mortality gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. This cohort study examined factors associated with hospital admissions and healthcare outcomes among Indigenous Australians with cirrhosis. Patient-reported outcomes were obtained by face-to-face interview (Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire and Short Form 36 (SF-36)). Clinical data were extracted from medical records and through data linkage for 534 patients (25 indigenous). Cumulative overall survival (Kaplan-Meier), rates of hospital admissions and emergency presentations, and costs were assessed by indigenous status. Incidence rate ratios (IRR; Poisson regression) were reported. Indigenous Australians admitted to hospital with cirrhosis had lower educational status compared with non-indigenous patients (79.2% vs 43.4%; P< 0.001). The two groups had, in general, similar clinical characteristics including disease severity (P= 0.78), presence of cirrhosis complications (P= 0.67), comorbidities (P= 0.62), rates of cirrhosis-related admissions (P= 0.86) and 5-year survival (P= 0.30). However, indigenous patients had a lower score in the SF-36 domain related to bodily pain (P= 0.037), more cirrhosis admissions via the emergency department (IRR=1.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10-1.83) and fewer planned cirrhosis admissions (IRR=0.32, 95% CI 0.14-0.72). The total cost for cirrhosis-related hospital admissions for 534 patients over 6 years (July 2012 to June 2018) was A$13.7 million. The cost of cirrhosis-related hospital admissions was double for indigenous patients (cost ratio=2.04, 95% CI 2.04-2.05). Our data highlight the disparities in health service use and patient-reported outcomes, despite having similar clinical profiles. Integration between primary care, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and liver specialists is critical for appropriate health service delivery and effective use of resources. Chronic liver disease costs the community dearly.

Association between hepatic steatosis and fibrosis indices and dietary habits, physical activity, and quality of life

Background and study aimsThis cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the association between hepatic steatosis and fibrosis indices and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), physical activity (PA), and quality of life (QoL) in individuals unaware of the status of their liver. Patients and methodsParticipants were asked to complete three questionnaires validated in Greek, namely: (1) the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ) for QoL assessment; (2) the semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), from which the MedDietScore was calculated; and (3) the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) for PA evaluation. Hepatic steatosis was evaluated using the Fatty Liver Index (FLI), Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI), and Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP). Hepatic fibrosis was evaluated using the NAFLD Fibrosis Score (NFS), Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), and AST-to-platelet ratio index (APRI). ResultsThis study recruited 200 participants (90% men) aged 36 ± 6 years. Hepatic steatosis indices were not associated with MedDietScore and QoL. In terms of PA, univariable analysis showed that higher values of hepatic steatosis indices were associated with less intense activity. This association remained significant only for HSI during multivariable analysis (moderate activity vs. low activity: beta: −2.0, 95% confidence interval (CI): −3.5, −0.37, p = 0.016; and high activity vs. low activity: beta: −3.3, 95% CI: −5.03, −1.60, p < 0.001), after controlling for age, waist circumference, and the presence of metabolic syndrome. When using hepatic fibrosis indices, none of the participants had high probability of advanced hepatic fibrosis or cirrhosis (F3–F4). Consequently, we were unable to extensively evaluate the association between hepatic fibrosis indices and lifestyle characteristics or QoL. ConclusionWe showed that HSI, but not other steatosis indices, remained robustly associated with PA after adjusting for potential confounders in a population unaware of the presence of fatty liver.

Diet Satisfaction and Adequate Food Intake in Patients with Chronic Liver Diseases

ObjectivesTo describe relationships between diet satisfaction, ability to eat, and CLD. MethodsData collected from 354 patients with CLD was used for this analysis, including 2 items from the validated Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ): item 7 “ability to eat as much as you like” (EA), and item 14 “bothered by a limitation of your diet” (SWD). Results were stratified by existing diagnosis (Cirrhosis and all-type Hepatitis) and severity of disease [Childs-Pugh score (CP-A, mild; CP-B, moderate; CP-C, severe)]; AST (abnormal > 40 U/L) and ALT (abnormal > 55 U/L). Ordinal Logistic Regression, with odds and likelihood ratios, modeled disease severity CP A-C; general linear models examined EA and SWD. All models adjusted for age and sex. Results354 CLD patients were included [mean age 50.4y (±11.2); 51% male; 222 cirrhosis; 145 hepatitis; 135 with abnormal AST; 131 abnormal ALT; 100 had CP score A; 83 CP-B; 38 CP-C] Of those included, 31% (n = 110) reported low EA (EA-L), and 25% (n = 88) reported low SWD (SWD-L). In patients with cirrhosis, 36% (n = 80) reported EA-L, and 33% (n = 73) SWD-L. 30% (n = 43) of patients with hepatitis reported EA-L, and 22% SWD-L. 33% (n = 45) of patients with abnormal AST reported EA-L, 30% (n = 41) SWD-L; 40% (n = 52) of those with abnormal ALT reported EA-L, 35% (n = 46) SWD-L. 50% (n = 19) with CP-C had EA-L, 63% (n = 24) SWD-L. 43% (n = 36) with CP-B had EA-L, 39% (n = 32) SWD-L. 25% (n = 25) with CP-A had EA-L, 17% (n = 17) SWD-L. Worsening CP scores were 22.68x (p = .0004) more likely associated with EA-L; the odds of patients with CP-C reporting EA-L was 3.3x greater compared normal CP. Similarly, worse CP scores were 56.99x (p < .0001) more likely associated with SWD-L; odds of patients with CP-C reporting SWD-L were 16.2x greater compared to normal. EA described 23% of variance in SWD (p < .0001), and SWD explained 25% of the variance in EA (p < .0001). Sex was significantly associated with SWD (0.55 ± 0.2, p < .0001), age was not. Neither were significant for EA. ConclusionsEA-L and SWD-L strongly relate to worsening disease severity as documented by CP scores. Diet satisfaction and ability to eat as much as you like should be monitored closely for patients with CLD, especially those with cirrhosis because these symptoms signal loss of lean mass– a health risk, and one that may preclude eligibility for life-saving liver transplantation. Funding SourcesNIFA National Needs Fellowship

Chronic liver disease questionnaire to manage patients with chronic liver diseases.

Although patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) usually show few symptoms, they exhibit decreased health-related QOL (HRQOL) with occurrence complications including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Health-related QOL is an important indicator in the management of CLD. The Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ) was established as a tool for assessment of HRQOL. In this study, we evaluate its usefulness for the management of daily clinical practice. Patients (N=190, median age 70years old) treated between 2016 and 2019 were registered and prospectively followed-up with annual CLDQ. Associations of liver function and development of factors for admission or death were evaluated. Of the 190 patients registered, median age 70years old, 140 were Child-A, 121 were Fib-4 index >2.67 and showed 80 HCC. All 6 domains including Systemic Symptoms (SS) were negatively correlated with Child-Pugh score more than with albumin-bilirubin score and Fib-4 index. A hundred four admission events and 49 deaths were found during observation period, and median event-free survival was 34.3months. Treatment for HCC was the most frequent cause of admission, and 37 liver-related deaths were found. Systemic Symptoms score 2years after registration was decreased in both HCC- and non-HCC cohort. Systemic Symptoms decreased and SS<4 might be predictive for event occurrence. CLDQ is useful to assess HRQOL in patients with CLD and is well correlated with liver function especially Child-Pugh. Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire might be useful to predict the prognosis of CLD and can be a tool of management in clinical practice.

The Potential Role of Fatigue in Identifying Patients With NASH and Advanced Fibrosis Who Experience Disease Progression

Fatigue is common in patients with advanced liver disease. We investigated fatigue and clinical outcomes among patients with advanced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In this study, patients with biopsy confirmed NASH and bridging fibrosis (F3) or compensated cirrhosis (F4) were followed for up to 2 years. The Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire for Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (CLDQ-NASH) fatigue domain at baseline (range, 1-7; lower score indicating worse fatigue) quantified fatigue. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to study time to liver-related clinical events (progression to histologic cirrhosis or hepatic decompensation in F3, hepatic decompensation in F4). Of the 1679 NASH patients with fibrosis, 802 had F3 and 877 had F4 (58 ± 9 years of age, 40% male, 74% type 2 diabetes). During median follow-up of 16 months (interquartile range, 14-18), 15% (n= 123) of NASH F3 patients experienced liver-related events and 3.5% (n= 31) of NASH F4 patients experienced hepatic decompensation. Mean baseline CLDQ-NASH fatigue score in F3 patients was 4.77 ± 1.36; NASH F3 patients who experienced liver-related events had lower baseline scores: 4.47 ± 1.36 vs 4.83 ± 1.35 (P= .0091). The mean fatigue score in F4 was 4.56 ± 1.44; these scores were lower in patients who decompensated in follow-up: 3.74 ± 1.31 vs 4.59 ± 1.43 (P= .0011). The association of lower fatigue scores and risk of liver-related or decompensation events was significant after adjustment for confounders (adjusted hazard ratio per 1 point in fatigue score in F3, 0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.74-0.97; P= .02; adjusted hazard ratio in F4, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.48-0.81; P= .0004). Worse fatigue at baseline is associated with a higher risk of adverse clinical events in patients with NASH-related advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis.

Stigmatization is common in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and correlates with quality of life.

Background and aimsStigmatization is a well-documented problem of some diseases. Perceived stigma is common in alcohol-related liver disease and hepatitis C, but little information exists on stigma in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Aim of the study was to investigate frequency and characteristics of perceived stigma among patients with NAFLD.MethodsOne-hundred and ninety-seven patients seen at the liver clinic were included: a study group of 144 patients with NAFLD, 50 with cirrhosis (34 compensated, 16 decompensated), and a control group of 53 patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. Quality-of-life was assessed by chronic liver disease questionnaire (CLDQ). Perceived stigma was assessed using a specific questionnaire for patients with liver diseases categorized in 4 domains: stereotypes, discrimination, shame, and social isolation.ResultsPerceived stigma was common in patients with NAFLD (99 patients, 69%) and affected all 4 domains assessed. The frequency was slightly higher, yet not significant, in patients with NAFLD cirrhosis vs those without (72% vs 67%, respectively; p = 0.576). In patients without cirrhosis perceived stigma was unrelated to stage of disease, since frequency was similar in patients with no or mild fibrosis compared to those with moderate/severe fibrosis (66% vs 68%, respectively). There were no differences in perceived stigma between patients with compensated cirrhosis and these with decompensated cirrhosis. Among patients with cirrhosis, stigmatization was more common in alcohol-related vs NAFLD-cirrhosis, yet differences were only significant in two domains. In patients with NAFLD, perceived stigma correlated with poor quality-of-life, but not with demographic or clinical variables.ConclusionsPerceived stigmatization is common among patients with NAFLD independently of disease stage, is associated with impaired quality-of-life, and may be responsible for stereotypes, discrimination, shame, and social isolation, which may affect human and social rights of affected patients.

Patient-Predicted Outcomes Are Associated with Quality of Life in Patients with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic, progressive liver disease, and many patients ultimately require liver transplantation (LT). PSC also confers an increased risk of malignancies, including cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and colorectal cancer. This study aimed to evaluate patient-perceived outcomes and the extent to which these impact health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Patients with PSC completed a risk perception questionnaire, the Short Form-36 (SF-36), and the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire. Multivariable models were used to determine factors associated with patient-perceived risks of malignancy, LT, and life expectancy, as well as their relationship with HRQoL scores. A total of 95 patients completed the risk perception questionnaire, and 73 returned the remaining instruments. The estimated risks varied widely. Half overestimated their one-year or lifetime CCA risk, while some predicted zero chance. Predicted LT risk was the only outcome concordant with disease severity. Pruritus was associated with higher predicted one-year risks and lower life expectancy. Lifetime CCA and LT risks were associated with the SF-36 physical component score, while perceived life expectancy was strongly associated with mental health domains, including the SF-36 mental component score. Predicted prognosis varies widely among patients with PSC and is influenced more by symptoms than objective disease severity. The psychological burden of shorter perceived life expectancy impacts mental HRQoL more than the risks of malignancy or LT. These findings highlight an opportunity for improved patient communication regarding these outcomes, as well as the importance of discussing them, as they may impact HRQoL.

RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH FRACTURE OF THE LUMBOSACRAL SPINE AND ITS COMPROMISE IN THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF CIRRHOTICS.

Chronic hepatic disease is associated with osteoporosis, osteopenia or osteomalacia. Osteoporosis and fractures due to bone fragility present high prevalences and are more frequent in patients with liver cirrhosis than in the general population. The search for a diagnosis of osteopenia and osteoporosis in this population may allow early intervention and modify unfavorable outcomes. To know the prevalence of osteopenia or osteoporosis and of fracture due to bone fragility in individuals with liver cirrhosis, the associated risk factors, and its compromise in their quality of life (QoL). Observational, transversal study performed with 71 liver cirrhosis patients of the Hepatology Service of the Hospital de Base do Distrito Federal, Brasília, DF, Brazil, between July 2017 and December 2018. The patients were submitted to bone densitometry (DXA) of the lumbar spine and of the femoral neck, to x-ray of the lumbosacral spine and to the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ) for the evaluation of quality of life (QoL). The Fracture Risk Assessment (FRAX) major was calculated for patients >50 years old. The analyses were performed for the evaluation of the risk factors associated with lumbosacral spine fracture. The majority (62%) of the 71 evaluated patients was diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia on DXA. Of the 44 patients with osteopenia or osteoporosis, 52.3% were female, with a mean age of 62.6±9.51 years old, with the majority (72.7%) being Child A, cirrhotics of alcoholic etiology (36.4%), and with an intermediate QoL according to the CLDQ (3.3). Regarding the patients with lumbosacral spine fracture, the mean age was 61.6±11.1 years old, 60% were female, most of them Child A (66.7%), of alcoholic etiology (46.7%), and with an intermediary QoL according to the CLDQ (3.5). The presence of osteopenia and/or osteoporosis was associated with lumbosacral fracture (P<0.001), without correlation with the other analyzed variables: age, body mass index, gender, presence and absence of ascites, Child-Pugh classification, vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus serum concentration, cirrhosis etiology and FRAX major. The prevalence of hepatic osteodystrophy was high, and the occurrence of lumbosacral spine fracture was more associated with osteoporosis and/or osteopenia among the cirrhotic patients studied. The QoL was intermediate and with no differences between cirrhotics with and without fracture.

Palliative Care, Patient-Reported Measures, and Outcomes in Hospitalized Patients With Cirrhosis

ContextStudies of palliative care (PC) in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis have been retrospective, with limited evaluation of patient-reported measures and outcomes. ObjectivesTo examine the relationship between PC, patient-reported measures (quality of life and functional status), and outcomes. MethodsWe performed a prospective cohort study of patients with cirrhosis hospitalized from 2014 to 2019. We recorded PC consultation details, quality of life (chronic liver disease questionnaire), and functional status (functional status questionnaire). Patients were followed for 90 days to assess readmissions, costs, and mortality. ResultsSeventy-four of 679 patients saw PC, often later in the hospitalization (median hospital day 8; IQR 4–16). Those who saw PC had greater Charlson comorbidity index (mean 6.8 vs. 5.9), MELD (mean 25 vs. 20), and prior 30-day admission (47% vs. 35%). Compared to those who did not see PC, PC patients had greater impairments in intermediate activities of daily living (83% vs. 72%), social activity (72% vs. 59%), quality of interactions (49% vs. 36%), abdominal symptoms (mean score 3.1 vs. 3.6), activity (mean 3.3 vs. 3.6), and overall quality of life (mean 3.6 vs. 3.8). PC was associated with fewer transfusions and upper endoscopies and with greater completion of advanced directives. After multivariable adjustment, PC was not associated with intensive care, 30-day readmissions, 90-day costs, or mortality. ConclusionPC occurs infrequently and late in those with more severe liver disease and functional impairment. PC may be associated with reduction in utilization and greater completion of advanced directives. Randomized trials are needed to evaluate PC for this population.

Longitudinal increase in albumin-bilirubin score is associated with non-malignancy-related mortality and quality of life in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Due to the developments in the treatment for hepatitis, it is possible to prevent the progression of liver fibrosis and improve patients’ prognosis even if it has already led to liver cirrhosis (LC). Consequently, a two-step study was conducted. To begin with, a retrospective study was conducted to identify the potential predictors of non-malignancy-related mortality from LC. Then, we prospectively analyzed the validity of these parameters as well as their association with patients’ quality of life. In the retrospective study, 89 cases were included, and the multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that age (P = 0.012), model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score (P = 0.012), and annual rate of change of the albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) score (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with LC prognosis. In the prospective study, 70 patients were included, and the patients were divided into cirrhosis progression and non-progression groups. The univariate logistic regression analysis indicated the serum procollagen type III N-terminal peptide level (P = 0.040) and MELD score (P = 0.010) were significantly associated with the annual rate of change of the ALBI score. Furthermore, the mean Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire score worsened from 5.3 to 4.9 in the cirrhosis progression group (P = 0.034). In conclusion, a longitudinal increase in the ALBI score is closely associated with non-malignancy-related mortality and quality of life.

COVID-19 emergency: Changes in quality of life perception in patients with chronic liver disease-An Italian single-centre study.

BACKGROUNDIn December 2019, the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) emerged and rapidly spread worldwide, becoming a global health threat and having a tremendous impact on the quality of life (QOL) of individuals.AIMTo evaluate the awareness of patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) regarding the COVID-19 emergency and how it impacted on their QOL. METHODSPatients with an established diagnosis of CLD (cirrhosis, autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis) who had been evaluated at our Outpatient Liver Disease Clinic during the 6-mo period preceding the start of Italian lockdown (March 8, 2020) were enrolled. Participants were asked to complete a two-part questionnaire, administered by telephone according to governmental restrictions: The first section assessed patients’ basic knowledge regarding COVID-19, and the second evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 emergency on their QOL. We used the Italian version of the CLD questionnaire (CLDQ-I). With the aim of evaluating possible changes in the QOL items addressed, the questionnaire was administered to patients at the time of telephone contact with the specific request to recall their QOL perceptions during two different time points. In detail, patients were asked to recall these perceptions first during time 0 (t0), a period comprising the 2 wk preceding the date of ministerial lockdown decree (from February 23 to March 7, 2020); then, in the course of the same phone call, they were asked to recall the same items as experienced throughout time 1 (t1), the second predetermined time frame encompassing the 2 wk (from April 6 to April 19) preceding our telephone contact and questionnaire administration. All data are expressed as number (%), and continuous variables are reported as the median (interquartile range). The data were compared using the Wilcoxon paired non-parametric test. RESULTSA total of 111 patients were enrolled, of whom 81 completed the questionnaire. Forty-nine had liver cirrhosis, and all of them had compensated disease; 32 patients had autoimmune liver disease. The majority (93.8%) of patients were aware of COVID-19 transmission modalities and on how to recognize the most common alarm symptoms (93.8%). Five of 32 (15.6%) patients with autoimmune liver disease reported having had the need to receive more information about the way to manage their liver disease therapy during lockdown and nine (28.2%) thought about modifying their therapy without consulting their liver disease specialist. About the impact on QOL, all CLDQ-I total scores were significantly worsened during time t1 as compared to time t0. CONCLUSIONThe COVID-19 epidemic has had a significant impact on the QOL of our population of patients, despite a good knowledge of preventive measure and means of virus transmission.

Bedside Tests of Muscle Function are Non-inferior to Skeletal Muscle Index in Predicting Outcomes in Patients with Cirrhosis and Correlate Better with Health-related Quality of Life and Cognitive Function

Presenting Author: Dr. Surender Singh Background: Sarcopenia is an independent predictor of poor outcomes in patients with cirrhosis. Assessment of sarcopenia can be done either by Computer Tomography based skeletal muscle index (SMI) or bedside tests like Handgrip strength or Gait speed. Aims: To compare Handgrip strength and Gait-speed with SMI in predicting mortality and their correlation with Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and cognitive function in cirrhosis. Methods: 116 outpatients with cirrhosis were included in this prospective cohort study. Assessment for sarcopenia was done by SMI, Handgrip strength and Gait speed and Receiver operative curves (ROC) curves were plotted to compare them as predictors of mortality. HRQOL was assessed using the chronic liver disease questionnaire (CLDQ) and fatigue severity scale (FSS). Cognitive function was assessed by mini-mental state examination (MMSE). Correlations of SMI with Handgrip strength, Gait speed, HRQOL, and cognitive function were analyzed. Results: 100(86.2%) males and 16(13.8%) females with a mean age of 50.2(48.4-51.9, 95%CI) years were included. The most common cause of cirrhosis was alcoholic liver disease (47.4%) followed by hepatitis C (12.9%). Sarcopenia was diagnosed in 64(55.2%) patients using SMI. The AUCs of Gait speed, Handgrip strength, and SMI in predicting mortality were 0.91(0.85- 0.96), 0.86(0.78-0.93), and 0.8(0.71-0.88) respectively (P >0.05). The CLDQ and MMSE scores were significantly lower in the sarcopenic group, whereas the FSS score was higher suggestive of poor HRQOL and cognitive function in comparison to the Not sarcopenic group. Significant correlation was seen between SMI and Handgrip strength (r=0.75) and Gait-speed (r=0.63), (P<0.01). CLDQ(r=0.86) and FSS(r=0.77) showed strongest correlation with Handgrip strength and MMSE with Gait-speed (r=0.71), (P<0.01). Conclusion: The Handgrip strength and Gait-speed are non-inferior to SMI as an independent predictor of mortality, and correlate better with HRQOL and cognitive function, and could replace SMI for assessment of sarcopenia.