Hepatology. 2022 Aug 3. doi: 10.1002/hep.32704. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND & AIMS: Implantation of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) improves survival in cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites and portal hypertensive bleeding. However, the indication for TIPS in older adult patients (≥70 years) is debated and a specific prediction model developed in this particular setting is lacking. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a multivariable model for an accurate prediction of mortality in older adults.
APPROACH & RESULTS: We prospectively enrolled 411 consecutive patients observed at 4 referral centers with de novo TIPS implantation for refractory ascites or secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding (derivation cohort) and an external cohort of 415 patients with similar indications for TIPS (validation cohort). Older adult patients in the two cohorts were 99 and 76 respectively. A cause-specific Cox competing risks model was used to predict liver-related mortality, with orthotopic liver transplant and death for extrahepatic causes as competing events. Age, alcoholic etiology, creatinine levels and international normalized ratio in the overall cohort, and creatinine and sodium levels in older adults were independent risk factors for liver-related death by multivariable analysis.
CONCLUSIONS: After TIPS implantation, mortality is increased by ageing, but TIPS placement should not be precluded in patients older than 70 years. In older adults, creatinine and sodium levels are useful predictors for decision making. Further efforts to update the prediction model with larger sample size are warranted.
PMID:35921493 | DOI:10.1002/hep.32704
