Summary of a consensus conference on heart-liver transplantation.

Patients with severe heart disease may have coexisting liver disease from various causes. The incidence of combined heart-liver transplant (CHLT) is increasing as more patients with congenital heart disease survive to adulthood and develop advanced heart failure with associated liver disease from chronic right-sided heart or Fontan failure. However, the criteria for CHLT have not been established. To address this unmet need, a virtual consensus conference was organized on June 10, 2022, endorsed by the American Society of Transplantation. The conference represented a collaborative effort by experts in cardiothoracic and liver transplantation from across the United States to assess interdisciplinary criteria for liver transplantation in the CHLT candidate, surgical considerations of CHLT, current allocation system that generally results in the liver following the heart for CHLT, and optimal post-CHLT management. The conference served as a forum to unify criteria between the different specialties and to forge a pathway for patients who may need dual organ transplantation. Due to the continuing shortage of available donor organs, ethical issues related to multiorgan transplantation were also debated. The findings and consensus statements are presented.

Banff 2022 Liver Group Meeting report: Monitoring long-term allograft health.

The Banff Working Group on Liver Allograft Pathology met in September 2022. Participants included hepatologists, surgeons, pathologists, immunologists, and histocompatibility specialists. Presentations and discussions focused on the evaluation of long-term allograft health, including noninvasive and tissue monitoring, immunosuppression optimization, and long-term structural changes. Potential revision of the rejection classification scheme to better accommodate and communicate late T cell-mediated rejection patterns and related structural changes, such as nodular regenerative hyperplasia, were discussed. Improved stratification of long-term maintenance immunosuppression to match the heterogeneity of patient settings will be central to improving long-term patient survival. Such personalized therapeutics are in turn contingent on a better understanding and monitoring of allograft status within a rational decision-making approach, likely to be facilitated in implementation with emerging decision-support tools. Proposed revisions to rejection classification emerging from the meeting include the incorporation of interface hepatitis and fibrosis staging. These will be opened to online testing, modified accordingly, and subject to consensus discussion leading up to the next Banff conference.

Prognostic scores for ursodeoxycholic acid-treated patients predict graft loss and mortality in recurrent primary biliary cholangitis after liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Recurrent primary biliary cholangitis (rPBC) develops in approximately 30% of patients and negatively impacts graft and overall patient survival after liver transplantation (LT). There is a lack of data regarding the response rate to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in rPBC. We evaluated a large, international, multi-center cohort to assess the performance of PBC scores in predicting the risk of graft and overall survival after LT in patients with rPBC. METHODS: A total of 332 patients with rPBC after LT were evaluated from 28 centers across Europe, North and South America. The median age at the time of rPBC was 58.0 years [IQR 53.2-62.6], and 298 patients (90%) were female. The biochemical response was measured with serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin, and Paris-2, GLOBE and UK-PBC scores at 1 year after UDCA initiation. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 8.7 years [IQR 4.3-12.9] after rPBC diagnosis, 52 patients (16%) had graft loss and 103 (31%) died. After 1 year of UDCA initiation the histological stage at rPBC (hazard ratio [HR] 3.97, 95% CI 1.36-11.55, p = 0.01), use of prednisone (HR 3.18, 95% CI 1.04-9.73, p = 0.04), ALP xULN (HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.26-2.01, p <0.001), Paris-2 criteria (HR 4.14, 95% CI 1.57-10.92, p = 0.004), GLOBE score (HR 2.82, 95% CI 1.71-4.66, p <0.001), and the UK-PBC score (HR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03-1.09, p <0.001) were associated with graft survival in the multivariate analysis. Similar results were observed for overall survival. CONCLUSION: Patients with rPBC and disease activity, as indicated by standard PBC risk scores, have impaired outcomes, supporting efforts to treat recurrent disease in similar ways to pre-transplant PBC. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS: One in three people who undergo liver transplantation for primary biliary cholangitis develop recurrent disease in their new liver. Patients with recurrent primary biliary cholangitis and incomplete response to ursodeoxycholic acid, according to conventional prognostic scores, have worse clinical outcomes, with higher risk of graft loss and mortality in similar ways to the disease before liver transplantation. Our results supportsupport efforts to treat recurrent disease in similar ways to pre-transplant primary biliary cholangitis.

Imprinted immune abnormalities in liver transplant patients cured of hepatitis C with antiviral drugs.

Chronic HCV infection induces interferon and dysregulates immune responses through inflammation and chronic antigenic stimulation. Antiviral drugs can cure HCV, providing a unique opportunity to examine the immunological restoration that does and does not occur when a chronic viral infection is eradicated. We quantified blood cytokines levels and used mass cytometry to immunophenotype peripheral blood mononuclear cells before and after HCV cure in 2 groups of patients and controls. At baseline, serum interferon α and soluble CD163 (a macrophage product) were elevated in both liver transplant and nonliver transplant patients compared to controls; the frequencies of several peripheral blood mononuclear cell populations differed from controls; and programmed death protein 1-positivity was increased in nearly all T cell subsets. Many abnormalities persisted after HCV cure, including elevated programmed death protein 1 expression on CD4 naïve and central memory T cells, elevated soluble CD163, and expansion of the plasmablast/plasma cell compartment. Several myeloid-lineage subsets, including Ag-presenting dendritic cells, remained dysregulated. In mechanistic studies, interferon α treatment increased programmed death protein 1 on human T cells and increased T cell receptor signaling. The data identify immunological abnormalities that persist after curative HCV treatment. Before cure, high levels of interferon α may stimulate programmed death protein 1 expression on human T cells, causing persistent functional changes.

Utilization of aquapheresis among hospitalized patients with end-stage liver disease: A case series and literature review.

Third-spacing of fluid is a common complication in hospitalized patients with decompensated cirrhosis. In addition to ascites, patients with advanced cirrhosis may develop significant peripheral edema, which may limit mobility and exacerbate debility and muscle wasting. Concomitant kidney failure and cardiac dysfunction may lead to worsening hypervolemia, which may ultimately result in pulmonary edema and respiratory compromise. Diuretic use in such patients may be limited by kidney dysfunction and electrolyte abnormalities, including hyponatremia and hypokalemia. A slow, continuous form of ultrafiltration known as aquapheresis is a method of extracorporeal fluid removal whereby a pump generates a transmembrane pressure that forces an isotonic ultrafiltrate across a semipermeable membrane. This leads to removal of an ultrafiltrate that is isotonic to blood without the need for dialysate or replacement fluid as is necessary in other forms of continuous kidney replacement therapy. This technique has been utilized in other conditions including acute decompensated heart failure, with trials showing mixed, but generally favorable results. Herein, we present a series of our own experience using aquapheresis among patients with cirrhosis, review the literature regarding its use in other hypervolemic states, and discuss how we may apply lessons learned from use of aquapheresis in heart failure to patients with end-stage liver disease.

Outcomes after kidney transplant alone in patients with cirrhosis-A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Guidelines recommend kidney transplant alone (KTA) in compensated cirrhosis based on a few small studies, but this is not widely performed despite its potential benefit to patients and the organ supply. Our aim was to determine the outcomes of KTA in patients with compensated cirrhosis. STUDY DESIGN: From 1/2012 to 12/2021, outcomes in KTA recipients with compensated cirrhosis were retrospectively compared to patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) but no cirrhosis. Patients with compensated cirrhosis were also compared to a matched cohort (based on age, time on hemodialysis, sex, and ethnicity) of KTA recipients without CLD. The outcomes included patient survival, allograft failure, allograft rejection, serious infection, liver decompensation, and length of stay (LOS). RESULTS: Over 9 years, 1562 KTAs were performed, with 150 (9.6%) patients having CLD mostly due to chronic hepatitis C, and a median follow-up of 3.5 years. 32/150 (21%) had compensated cirrhosis at the time of KTA with a mean MELD-Na of 22 (1.5). Matched controls (n = 189) were identified. We found no differences in patient survival (p = .07), allograft failure (p = .6), allograft rejection (p = .43), rates of serious infection (p = .31), as well as LOS (p = .61) among patients with compensated cirrhosis compared to patients with CLD but no cirrhosis, but with higher rates of liver decompensation (p = .004). Similarly, compared to patients without CLD, patients with cirrhosis had similar rates of patient survival (p = .20), allograft failure (p = .27), allograft rejection (p = .62) and LOS (p = .19) but with higher rates of serious infections (p = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study supports the safety and efficacy of KTA in patients with compensated cirrhosis.

A Prospective Open-Label Dose-Response Study to Correct Vitamin D Deficiency in Cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with advanced liver disease often have vitamin D deficiency, but the daily dosages of vitamin D3 needed to raise their serum 25-hydrodroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations are unknown. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to establish the dose-response relationship between vitamin D3 and 25(OH)D in patients with liver cirrhosis. DESIGN: An open-label study of orally-administered vitamin D3 (gelcaps) was conducted in patients with liver cirrhosis using a tiered-dosing regimen: 4,000 IU/d for baseline 25(OH)D ≤ 15 ng/mL and 2,000 IU/d for baseline 25(OH)D > 15 to ≤ 25 ng/mL (NCT01575717). Supplementation continued for 6 months, or until liver transplantation. Changes in 25(OH)D were measured after ≥ 3 months. Dose-response data on 48 patients (21 receiving 4000 IU/d and 27 receiving 2,000 IU/d) reporting ≥ 80% adherence were analyzed using generalized estimating equations (GEE). RESULTS: Among the 48 patients, 39 (81%) had 25(OH)D > 20 ng/mL while on supplements, and none experienced hypercalcemia. The magnitude of the increase in 25(OH)D was approximately twofold greater in patients receiving the higher dose. The mean incremental increase was 5.1 ng/ml ± 3.9 of 25(OH)D per 1000 IU/d of vitamin D3. Multivariable models demonstrated a significant positive relationship between baseline 25(OH)D and serum albumin (p < 0.01) and hemoglobin (p = 0.01), and a negative relationship with the MELD score (p < 0.01) and total bilirubin (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A two-tiered dosing regimen of daily oral vitamin D3 supplementation safely raised 25(OH)D concentrations in the majority of adults with liver cirrhosis who were adherent to supplement use.

Pathophysiology of ascites: The importance of the intestine. A surgical contribution to the understanding of a medical problem.

The understanding of the mechanisms for the development of ascites has evolved over the years, involving the liver, peritoneum, heart, and kidneys as key responsible for its formation. In this article, we review the pathophysiology of ascites formation, introducing the role of the intestine as a major responsible for ascites production through "a game changer" case.

Improved outcomes of liver resection for hepatitis C-related hepatocellular carcinoma after the introduction of direct-acting antiviral therapy.

BACKGROUND: Assess impact of direct-acting antivirals introduction on outcomes after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS: 391 patients (1991-2021) treated with resection for hepatocellular carcinoma on Hepatitis C background were divided according to receiving Hepatitis C treatment, treatment type, achievement of sustained virological response (SVR), time of resection pre- (Era 1, 1991-2011) and post-direct acting antivirals introduction (Era 2, 2012-2021). Survival was estimated with Kaplan-Meier curves, Cox regression analysis performed to identify survival predictors. RESULTS: Majority of patients had single lesion (67.8%), diameter >2 cm in 60.6%, no evidence of macroscopic vascular invasion on imaging. Pathology showed vascular invasion in 69.6% of patients, 76.5% microvascular. Recurrence developed in 247 patients (63.2%). 194 patients (49.6%) achieved SVR. Overall survival at 1-, 3-, 5-years was 94.6%, 85.7%, 78.8% for patients who achieved SVR, 80.1%, 48.1%, 29.9% in those who did not (p < 0.001). 220 patients (56.3%) were in Era 1, 171 (43.7%) in Era 2. Survival at 1-, 3-, 5-years was 76.1%, 49%, 36% in Era 1, 94.5%, 82.5%, 70.3% in Era 2 (p < 0.001). SVR was an independent predictor of survival on multiple Cox Regression analysis. CONCLUSION: While many aspects of HCC management have evolved, SVR following direct-acting antivirals independently improves HCC resection outcomes.

Successful pathways to liver transplant for undocumented immigrants.

Liver transplant (LT) for undocumented immigrants presents numerous challenges. Although the United Network for Organ Sharing has implemented multiple policy changes to lessen the disparities in LT throughout the years, undocumented immigrants remain especially marginalized and disadvantaged when compared with other populations. Since 2013, the Mount Sinai Hospital's Recanati Miller Transplant Institute has transplanted 16 undocumented immigrants with successful outcomes. Here, we will share our experience of evaluating, caring for, and transplanting these patients and also highlight our team's mission to ensure that this population has equitable access to lifesaving medical treatment.

Outcomes of a 3-Year Quality Improvement Study to Improve Advance Care Planning in Patients With Decompensated Cirrhosis.

INTRODUCTION: To report outcomes of a 3-year quality improvement pilot study to improve advance directive (AD) completion. METHODS: The pilot consisted of champions, education, electronic health record templates, and workflow changes. We assessed changes, predictors, and effects of AD completion. RESULTS: The pilot led to greater (8.3%-36%) and earlier AD completion, particularly among those divorced, with alcohol-associated liver disease, and with higher Model of End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium score. Decedents whose AD specified nonaggressive goals experienced lower hospital lengths of stay. DISCUSSION: Advance care planning initiatives are feasible and may reduce health care utilization among decedents requesting less aggressive care.

Early neurologic complications after liver transplant are associated with reduced long-term survival and increased rates of rejection.

Neurologic complications (NCs) are common following liver transplantation (LT) and have been associated with impaired short-term survival. The impact of NC on long-term survival is less defined. We aimed to characterize these outcomes and assess for risk factors for post-LT NC. We performed a single-center, retrospective review of 521 patients with LT from 2016 to 2020. Baseline clinical and laboratory factors, intraoperative events, and outcomes were compared between patients with and without NC. The 5-year overall and rejection-free survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier analysis. Multivariable logistic regression assessed for an independent relationship between risk factors and the development of NC. Among 521 LT recipients, 24% experienced post-LT NC. Overall and rejection-free survival at 5 years was, respectively, 69% and 75% among those with NC versus 87% and 88% among those without NC (log-rank < 0.001). Among those who survived the first 3 months after LT, overall survival but not rejection-free survival was reduced among patients with NC. Risk factors for developing NC included peri-LT serum sodium (ΔSNa) ≥ 6 (29.4% vs. 20.5%, p = 0.04), grade 3 or 4 HE pre-LT, SNa < 125 pre-LT, and more intraoperative transfusions. In a multivariable logistic regression model controlling for described variables, SNa < 125 (or 0.21, 95% CI, 0.06-0.74) at LT and pre-LT HE grade 3 or 4 (or 0.45, 95% CI, 0.26-0.76) was independently associated with NC. Long-term survival was reduced among patients who developed NC in the immediate post-transplant period, even when censoring those who died in the first 3 months. Post-LT NC was associated with perioperative ΔSNa ≥ 6. Optimization of SNa pre-LT > 125 and limiting perioperative ΔSNa <6 mEq/L might have a beneficial impact in decreasing NC post-LT, which may improve long-term post-LT survival.

The Importance of Segment 4 Anatomy on Outcomes Following Living Donor Left Lateral Segmentectomy.

BACKGROUND: During left lateral section (LLS) resection for live liver donation, the vascular inflow and the bile drainage of segment 4 (S4) are compromised. We investigated the long-term changes of S4 after donation and their potential prognostic impact on living liver donors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of 42 consecutive left lateral (LLS, S2/3) liver resections for living donation. RESULTS: There were 25 female and 17 male donors. Median age was 33 y and median body mass index was 26. Median LLS, S2/3, volume was 262 cc, and median sS4 volume was 160 cc. Complications were encountered in three donors (7%). An independent extrahepatic S4 artery (S4A) (with a proximal left heptic artery or a right hepatic artery origin) was identified in 41% of the donors. Ligation of the independent S4A was not associated with the rate of post resection liver dysfunction, complications, or the degree of S4 atrophy. Having a dominant S4 portal triad pedicle feeding the right anterior sectors, segment 5/8, of the liver was associated with increased parenchymal damage as evidenced by a higher peak of alanine aminotransferase but was not associated with postoperative complications. The median degree of atrophy of S4 at 1 y post donation as noted on imaging was 66%. The presence of a dominant S4 portal triad pedicle and the peak alanine aminotransferase early postoperatively were both predictors of the degree of S4 atrophy post donation. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of an independent S4A or dominant S4 portal triad pedicle feeding the liver right anterior sectors, segment 5/8, should not be a contraindication for left lateral segment living donation.

An analysis of the outcomes of Clostridioides difficile occurring in intestinal transplant recipients requiring hospitalization.

BACKGROUND: Organ transplantation is a known risk factor for Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). There is limited published data on the impact of CDI in the intestinal transplant population. METHODS: We utilized the National Readmission Database (2010-2017) to study the outcomes of CDI in patients having a history of intestinal transplantation. Association of CDI with readmission and hospital resource utilization was computed in multivariable models adjusted for demographics and comorbidities. RESULTS: During 2010-2017, 8442 hospitalizations with the history of intestinal transplantation had indexed hospital admissions. Of these, 320 (3.8%) had CDI. CDI hospitalization in intestine transplant patients was associated with higher median cost $54 430 (IQR: 27 231, 109 980) as compared to patients who did not have CDI $48 888 (IQR: 22 578, 112 777), (ß: 71 814 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 676-142 953, p = .048). The median length of stay was also longer for patients with CDI 7 (IQR: 4, 13) days as compared to 5 (IQR: 3, 11) days in non-CDI (ß: 5.51 95% CI: 0.73-10.29, p = .02). The mortality rate, intestinal transplant complications, presence of malnutrition, acute kidney injury, ICU admissions, and sepsis were similar in both groups. CDI was the top cause of 30-day readmission in the intestinal transplant recipients with CDI during the index admission; the number of 30-day readmissions also increased from 2010 to 2017. CONCLUSION: CDI hospitalization in post-intestine transplant patients occurs commonly and is associated with a longer length of stay and higher costs during hospitalization. The CDI was the most common cause of readmission after the index admission of CDI in these patients.

Challenges in Accurate Diagnosis of HCC in FALD: A Case Series.

Patients with single ventricle cardiac disease palliated with Fontan procedures inevitably develop Fontan-Associated Liver Disease (FALD), which poses a significant risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Standard imaging criteria for the diagnosis of cirrhosis are not reliable due to parenchymal heterogeneity of FALD. We present 6 cases to demonstrate our center's experience and the challenges in diagnosing HCC within this patient population.

Artificial intelligence to identify harmful alcohol use after early liver transplant for alcohol-associated hepatitis.

Early liver transplantation (LT) for alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) is the fastest growing indication for LT, but prediction of harmful alcohol use post-LT remains limited. Among 10 ACCELERATE-AH centers, we examined psychosocial evaluations from consecutive LT recipients for AH from 2006 to 2017. A multidisciplinary panel used content analysis to develop a maximal list of psychosocial variables. We developed an artificial intelligence model to predict post-LT harmful alcohol use. The cohort included training (N = 91 among 8 centers) and external validation (N = 25 among 2 centers) sets, with median follow-up of 4.4 (IQR 3.0-6.0) years post-LT. In the training set, AUC was 0.930 (95%CI 0.862-0.998) with positive predictive value of 0.891 (95%CI 0.620-1.000), internally validated through fivefold cross-validation. In the external validation set, AUC was 0.692 (95%CI 0.666-0.718) with positive predictive value of 0.82 (95%CI 0.625-1.000). The model identified specific variables related to social support and substance use as highly important to predict post-LT harmful alcohol use. We retrospectively developed and validated a model that identified psychosocial profiles at LT predicting harmful alcohol use post-LT for AH. This preliminary model may inform selection and post-LT management for AH and warrants prospective evaluation in larger studies among all alcohol-associated liver disease being considered for early LT.

Risk factors and outcomes associated with recurrent autoimmune hepatitis following liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Autoimmune hepatitis can recur after liver transplantation (LT), though the impact of recurrence on patient and graft survival has not been well characterized. We evaluated a large, international, multicenter cohort to identify the probability and risk factors associated with recurrent AIH and the association between recurrent disease and patient and graft survival. METHODS: We included 736 patients (77% female, mean age 42±1 years) with AIH who underwent LT from January 1987 through June 2020, among 33 centers in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. Clinical data before and after LT, biochemical data within the first 12 months after LT, and immunosuppression after LT were analyzed to identify patients at higher risk of AIH recurrence based on histological diagnosis. RESULTS: AIH recurred in 20% of patients after 5 years and 31% after 10 years. Age at LT ≤42 years (hazard ratio [HR] 3.15; 95% CI 1.22-8.16; p = 0.02), use of mycophenolate mofetil post-LT (HR 3.06; 95% CI 1.39-6.73; p = 0.005), donor and recipient sex mismatch (HR 2.57; 95% CI 1.39-4.76; p = 0.003) and high IgG pre-LT (HR 1.04; 95% CI 1.01-1.06; p = 0.004) were associated with higher risk of AIH recurrence after adjusting for other confounders. In multivariate Cox regression, recurrent AIH (as a time-dependent covariate) was significantly associated with graft loss (HR 10.79, 95% CI 5.37-21.66, p <0.001) and death (HR 2.53, 95% CI 1.48-4.33, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Recurrence of AIH following transplant is frequent and is associated with younger age at LT, use of mycophenolate mofetil post-LT, sex mismatch and high IgG pre-LT. We demonstrate an association between disease recurrence and impaired graft and overall survival in patients with AIH, highlighting the importance of ongoing efforts to better characterize, prevent and treat recurrent AIH. LAY SUMMARY: Recurrent autoimmune hepatitis following liver transplant is frequent and is associated with some recipient features and the type of immunosuppressive medications use. Recurrent autoimmune hepatitis negatively affects outcomes after liver transplantation. Thus, improved measures are required to prevent and treat this condition.

Patterns of Alcohol Use After Early Liver Transplantation for Alcoholic Hepatitis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Early liver transplantation (LT) for alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is lifesaving but concerns regarding return to harmful alcohol use remain. We sought to identify distinct patterns of alcohol use post-LT to inform pre-LT candidate selection and post-LT addiction care. METHODS: Detailed post-LT alcohol use data was gathered retrospectively from consecutive patients with severe AH at 11 ACCELERATE-AH sites from 2006-2018. Latent class analysis identified longitudinal patterns of alcohol use post-LT. Logistic and Cox regression evaluated associations between patterns of alcohol use with pre-LT variables and post-LT survival. A microsimulation model estimated the effect of selection criteria on overall outcomes. RESULTS: Of 153 LT recipients, 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival were 95%, 88% and 82%. Of 146 LT recipients surviving to home discharge, 4 distinct longitudinal patterns of post-LT alcohol use were identified: Pattern 1 [abstinent](n = 103; 71%), pattern 2 [late/non-heavy](n = 9; 6.2%), pattern 3 [early/non-heavy](n = 22; 15%), pattern 4 [early/heavy](n = 12; 8.2%). One-year survival was similar among the 4 patterns (100%), but patients with early post-LT alcohol use had lower 5-year survival (62% and 53%) compared to abstinent and late/non-heavy patterns (95% and 100%). Early alcohol use patterns were associated with younger age, multiple prior rehabilitation attempts, and overt encephalopathy. In simulation models, the pattern of post-LT alcohol use changed the average life-expectancy after early LT for AH. CONCLUSIONS: A significant majority of LT recipients for AH maintain longer-term abstinence, but there are distinct patterns of alcohol use associated with higher risk of 3- and 5-year mortality. Pre-LT characteristics are associated with post-LT alcohol use patterns and may inform candidate selection and post-LT addiction care.

Burnout Among Transplant Hepatologists in the United States.

Burnout among transplant hepatologists has not been well characterized. The goal of this study was to describe the prevalence and predictors of burnout among practicing transplant hepatologists in the United States. We designed a 69-item survey, including the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI)-Human Services Survey and questions on provider demographics, practice characteristics, and psychological factors. The survey was administered to practicing US transplant hepatologists between October and December 2019. We described burnout using MBI subscales (emotional exhaustion [EE], depersonalization [DP], and personal accomplishment [PA]) and determined significant predictors of burnout, which we defined as high EE, using univariate and multivariate analyses. A total of 185 transplant hepatologists completed the survey (response rate = 25% of 738 practicing transplant hepatologists in the United States). A total of 40% reported high EE, whereas 17% and 16% reported high DP and low PA, respectively. On multivariate analysis, respondents with more than 5 colleagues (odds ratio [OR], 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.23-0.84) reporting adequate time for outpatient visits (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.22-0.80), reporting greater comfort with their clinical caseload (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.39-0.96), and reporting higher confidence in their prior training (OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.28-0.87) had a lower likelihood of high EE. Working 6 or more hours from home outside of work per week (OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.07-3.89) predicted a higher likelihood of burnout. Compensation, age, gender, career phase, caregiver status, and transplant center volume did not predict burnout. Of the surveyed transplant hepatologists, 40% experienced burnout, predicted mostly by factors related to work-time distribution, peer support, and affect. These findings should prompt development of system-level initiatives.

Extensive Health Care Utilization and Costs of an Early Liver Transplantation Program for Alcoholic Hepatitis.

Early liver transplantation (LT) for severe alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is a rescue therapy for highly selected patients with favorable psychosocial profiles not responding to medical therapy. Given the expected increase of AH candidate referrals requiring complex care and comprehensive evaluations, increased workload and cost might be expected from implementing an early LT program for AH but have not been determined. Some centers may also view AH as a strategy to expeditiously increase LT volume and economic viability. The aim of this study was to determine the health care use and costs of an early LT program for AH. Analyses of prospective databases of AH, interhospital transfers, and the hospital accounting system at a single center were performed from July 2011 to July 2016. For 5 years, 193 patients with severe AH were evaluated at our center: 143 newly referred transfers and 50 direct admissions. Annual increases of 13% led to 2 to 3 AH transfers/month and AH becoming the top reason for transfer. There were 169 (88%) nonresponders who underwent psychosocial evaluations; 15 (9%) underwent early LT. The median cost of early LT was $297,422, which was highly correlated with length of stay (r = 0.83; P < 0.001). Total net revenue of the program from LT admission to 90 days after LT was -$630,305 (-5.0% revenue), which was inversely correlated with MELD score (r = -0.70; P = 0.004) and yielded lower revenue than a contemporaneous LT program for acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF; $118,168; 1.4% revenue; P = 0.001). The health care use and costs of an early LT program for AH are extensive and lifesaving with marginally negative net revenue. Significantly increasing care of severe AH patients over 5 years resulted in increased LT volume, but at a lower rate than ACLF, and without improving economic outcomes due to high MELD and prolonged length of stay.