Impact of major hepatocellular carcinoma policy changes on liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma in the United States.

Since its inception in 2002, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD)-based allocation has undergone a series of revisions, especially with respect to exception points. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common indication for MELD exceptions, and as a result of higher transplant proportions and lower waitlist mortality, a series of policy changes have been implemented to deprioritize HCC transplants. We examined the impact of HCC exception policy changes on transplant and waitlist mortality rates. We evaluated Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network/United Network for Organ Sharing data on adult patients from January 1, 2005, to June 4, 2021, focusing on waitlist mortality and deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) proportions. The data were divided into four policy eras: (1) MELD 22 points at waitlisting with an increase in points every 3 months (i.e., elevator) (January 2005-October 2015), (2) delay and cap at MELD 34 points (October 2015-May 2019), (3) delay and fixed exceptions based on donor service area (DSA) median MELD at transplantation minus three (MMaT-3; May 2019-February 2020), and (4) delay and fixed exceptions based on the MMaT-3 of centers within 250 nautical miles (i.e., acuity circles; February 2020-June 2021). We evaluated (a) changes in the proportions of DDLTs for patients with HCC exceptions within each era nationally and by DSA and (b) waitlist mortality in the three recent policy eras, focusing on mortality in the 6 months after the 6-month delay period. The percentage of adult DDLT with HCC exceptions decreased through the four eras: 22.9% (n = 14,049), 17.9% (n = 4598), 14.3% (n = 851), and 12.4% (n = 1425), respectively. Of the 51 DSAs analyzed, the annual percent change in DDLTs for patients with HCC exceptions was negative (i.e., decreased) in 47 (92.2%). Waitlist mortality remained stable. All HCC policy implementations led to a decrease in the percentage of transplants for HCC without an increase in waitlist mortality. The impact is not uniform across geographic areas.

A cost-effectiveness analysis comparing a conventional mechanical needle to a radiofrequency device for transseptal punctures.

INTRODUCTION: Transseptal puncture is an integral step in various catheter-based cardiac procedures and can be performed with either the conventional mechanical needle or an FDA-cleared device utilizing radiofrequency (RF) energy. Although a previous randomized trial suggested that the RF transseptal device may be faster and more often successful, the increased equipment costs may dissuade operators from routine use. This analysis compares the cost-effectiveness of the mechanical needle to the RF device during pulmonary vein isolation. METHODS: The rates of successful transseptal punctures for each device and transseptal-related complications were determined from the peer-reviewed medical literature. Procedural, equipment, and complication costs were obtained from peer-reviewed medical literature and the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. The effectiveness was defined as the probability of 30-day survival following a successful transseptal puncture. Monte Carlo probabilistic analyses tested variable effects of costs and complication rates on the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. RESULTS: The 30-day effectiveness of the RF device vs the mechanical needle was 99.7% and 98.8%, respectively. After accounting for all costs of performing a single transseptal puncture, the cost at 30 days associated with the RF device was $41 less than the mechanical needle ($21 096 vs $21 137). The RF device was similarly dominant to the mechanical needle in double transseptal puncture scenarios. Finally, the RF device was more cost-effective than the mechanical needle at any willingness-to-pay in Monte Carlo probabilistic sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Despite greater equipment costs, the RF device costs less and provides better effectiveness at 30 days than the conventional mechanical needle.

Emerging indications for third space endoscopy.

This chapter will explore the recent advancements and innovations in the field of third space endoscopy. The traditional principles of per-oral endoscopic myotomy and endoscopic submucosal dissection have been applied to offer solutions to traditionally difficult to manage problems including esophageal diverticula, post-fundoplication dysphagia, post-sleeve gastrectomy stricture, bariatric procedure and Hirschsprung disease. Typically, these problems were managed surgically with potentially high rates of morbidity and mortality; however, the principles of third space endoscopy offer a safer and less invasive option for management. All of these applications of third space endoscopy are less than a decade old with some emerging in the last 1-2 years. In this chapter, we will explore the pathophysiology of these diseases and how third space endoscopy can offer a solution. We will also review the relevant literature along with the safety and effectiveness of the proposed innovations.

Building the Toolbox of Devices to Optimize a Practice in Submucosal Endoscopy.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a technically complex and still evolving procedure. As a result, there are many advances in the technology and tools available to assist the endoscopist. This article delves into the various tools developed for ESD including electrosurgical knives, caps, injection agents, and traction devices. The authors discuss tools available as well as their respective pros, cons, and technical considerations for use. Overall, the choice of tools depends on a multitude of factors from availability, cost, lesion characteristics, and the endoscopist's familiarity and proficiency.

No difference in outcomes with 15 mm vs. 20 mm lumen-apposing metal stents for endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy for gastric outlet obstruction: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We compared outcomes between use of 15 vs. 20 mm lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs) in endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) for gastric outlet obstruction. METHODS: Databases were queried for studies that used LAMS for EUS-GE to relieve gastric outlet obstruction, and a proportional meta-analysis was performed. RESULTS: Thirteen studies were included. The 15 mm and 20 mm LAMS had pooled technical success rates of 93.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 90.5%-95.2%) and 92.1% (95% CI, 68.4%-98.4%), clinical success rates of 88.6% (95% CI, 85.4%-91.1%) and 89.6% (95% CI, 79.0%-95.1%), adverse event rates of 11.4% (95% CI, 8.1%-15.9%) and 14.7% (95% CI, 4.4%-39.1%), and reintervention rates of 10.3% (95% CI, 6.7%-15.4%) and 3.5% (95% CI, 1.6%-7.6%), respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed no significant differences in technical success, clinical success, or adverse event rates. An increased need for reintervention was noted in the 15 mm stent group (pooled odds ratio, 3.59; 95% CI, 1.40-9.18; p=0.008). CONCLUSION: No differences were observed in the technical, clinical, or adverse event rates between 15 and 20 mm LAMS use in EUS-GE. An increased need for reintervention is possible when using a 15 mm stent compared to when using a 20 mm stent.

Intragastric Balloon Significantly Improves Metabolic Parameters at 6 Months: a Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: It is estimated that by 2030, 38% of the world population will be overweight, and another 20% will be people with obesity. Intragastric balloons (IGBs) are an option in conjunction with lifestyle modification for the treatment of obesity. We sought to investigate the effects of IGB therapy on hemoglobin A1c (A1c), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides (TGs). METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar were queried through November 2021 to identify studies that evaluated the effects of IGB therapy on selected variables at 6 months. A total of 17 studies and 1198 patients met inclusion criteria. Results were pooled using a random-effects model. RESULTS: At 6-month post-IGB insertion, patients had a significant reduction in A1c (mean difference (MD): - 0.62, 95% confidence interval (CI): - 0.884 to - 0.355, p < 0.001), SBP (MD: - 8.39, 95% CI: - 11.39 to - 5.386, p < 0.001), DBP (MD: - 5.807, 95% CI: - 8.852 to - 2.76, p < 0.001), TC (MD: - 9.189, 95% CI: - 15.763 to - 2.616, p = 0.006), LDL (MD: - 5.20, 95% CI: - 9.05 to - 1.35, p = 0.008), and TGs (MD: - 25.35, 95% CI: - 40.30 to - 10.10, p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in HDL (MD: 1.245, 95% CI: - 0.11 to 2.60, p = 0.071). CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis suggests that IGB therapy is associated with improvements in insulin resistance, blood pressure, and dyslipidemia at 6 months. The results of this analysis suggest that IGB placement can be a viable treatment option to improve important metabolic parameters beyond weight loss alone.

Sporadic Neurofibroma of the Peritoneal Cavity.

Neurofibromas are peripheral nerve sheath tumors that are typically seen in syndromic conditions such as neurofibromatosis 1. We present the case of a 26-year-old woman suffering from chronic abdominal pain for over 5 years. Prior workup showed a large retroperitoneal mass extending into the abdomen and encasing multiple major vessels. She underwent endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided biopsy, which was histologically consistent with a solitary neurofibroma. There is no prior report of solitary neurofibroma of the abdomen diagnosed with the use of EUS-guided biopsy. This case highlights the utility of EUS-guided biopsy in the evaluation of intra-abdominal pathology.

Unusual Presentation of Castleman's Disease Encroaching on the Brachial Plexus.

Castleman's disease is an uncommon benign lymphoproliferative disorder that commonly involves the mediastinum. We report an unusual case that involves the presentation of unicentric Castleman's disease in a 52-year-old female. The patient had a supraclavicular mass extending onto the brachial plexus. The approach to the treatment and plan for supraclavicular masses is complex due in part to the extensive list of differential diagnoses possible. In this case specifically, while the mass was ultimately determined to be benign, post-surgery, the location of the mass intraoperatively made for a very technically challenging and complex dissection. Post surgical resection, the patient reported no complications. This case highlights the importance of clinical judgement, imaging and surgical technique in removing a mass encroaching on the brachial plexus.

The Rise of Valley Fever: Prevalence and Cost Burden of Coccidioidomycosis Infection in California.

Coccidioidomycosis (CM) is a fungal infection endemic in the southwestern United States (US). In California, CM incidence increased more than 213% (from 6.0/100,000 (2014) to 18.8/100,000 (2017)) and continues to increase as rates in the first half of 2018 are double that of 2017 during the same period. This cost-of-illness study provides essential information to be used in health planning and funding as CM infections continue to surge. We used a "bottom-up" approach to determine lifetime costs of 2017 reported incident CM cases in California. We defined CM natural history and used a societal approach to determine direct and discounted indirect costs using literature, national datasets, and expert interviews. The total lifetime cost burden of CM cases reported in 2017 in California is just under $700 million US dollars, with $429 million in direct costs and $271 million in indirect costs. Per person direct costs were highest for disseminated disease ($1,023,730), while per person direct costs were lowest for uncomplicated CM pneumonia ($22,039). Cost burden varied by county. This is the first study to estimate total costs of CM, demonstrating its huge cost burden for California.

Therapeutic benefits of young, but not old, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in a chronic mouse model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

The observation that pulmonary inflammatory lesions and bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis spontaneously resolve in young mice, whereas remaining irreversible in aged mice suggests that impairment of pulmonary regeneration and repair is associated with aging. Because mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may promote repair after injury, we postulated that differences in MSCs from aged mice may underlie postinjury fibrosis in aging. The potential for young-donor MSCs to inhibit BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis in aged male mice (>22 months) has not been studied. Adipose-derived MSCs (ASCs) from young (4 months) and old (22 months) male mice were infused 1 day after intratracheal BLM administration. At 21-day sacrifice, aged BLM mice demonstrated lung fibrosis by Ashcroft score, collagen content, and α(v)-integrin messenger RNA (mRNA) expression. Lung tissue from aged BLM mice receiving young ASCs exhibited decreased fibrosis, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 activity, oxidative stress, and markers of apoptosis vs BLM controls. Lung mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha was also decreased in aged BLM mice receiving young-donor ASCs vs BLM controls. In contrast, old-donor ASC treatment in aged BLM mice did not reduce fibrosis and related markers. On examination of the cells, young-donor ASCs had decreased mRNA expression of MMP-2, insulin-like growth factor (IGF) receptor, and protein kinase B (AKT) activation compared with old-donor ASCs. These results show that the BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis in aged mice could be blocked by young-donor ASCs and that the mechanisms involve changes in collagen turnover and markers of inflammation.