ERIC M. PRZYBYSZEWSKI, MD

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This study focused on creating and testing a simple method to identify the risk of dangerous veins (varices) in patients with advanced liver cancer who cannot have surgery. Researchers looked at 707 patients and found that a new approach combining medical history and imaging scans could accurately predict when patients didn’t have high-risk varices, achieving a success rate of 97.4%. This is important because it means many low-risk patients can avoid unnecessary procedures, speeding up their treatment for liver cancer. Who this helps: This benefits patients with unresectable liver cancer and their doctors.

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This study focused on a new computer program that helps doctors quickly analyze liver biopsy reports to better understand a liver disease called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The program accurately identified important features of liver disease in medical records, achieving a success rate between 93.5% and 100%. It also found that the risk of cirrhosis significantly increased with more advanced fibrosis stages in patients, with a striking risk of 4.21 for those at a severe stage. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with MASLD by providing doctors with better tools to assess their disease risk.

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This study looked at patients with liver disease caused by alcohol who also had kidney problems. Out of 2062 patients, 303 had alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH). Those with AH were younger, had more severe kidney injuries, and faced a higher chance of dying within 90 days—about 45% compared to 38% for those without AH. This research is important because it highlights that while AH patients tend to have worse outcomes, the severity of their liver disease also plays a significant role. Who this helps: This helps doctors treating patients with liver and kidney issues related to alcohol.

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This study looked at patients with cirrhosis who developed acute kidney injury (AKI) while hospitalized and how their response to treatment affected their survival and the timing of liver transplants. Out of 317 patients, those who responded to AKI treatment had a better chance of surviving for 90 days (89.4% compared to 76.2% for those who didn't respond) but were less likely to get a liver transplant (45.9% compared to 61.2%). These findings are important because they show that while effective treatment of AKI helps patients survive longer, it may delay their access to a liver transplant. Who this helps: This helps patients with cirrhosis and their doctors by highlighting the need for effective AKI treatment during hospitalization.

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This study examines the use of terlipressin, a medication recently approved in the U.S. for treating severe kidney issues related to liver disease, known as hepatorenal syndrome-acute kidney injury (HRS-AKI). Researchers discuss whether patients who respond well to terlipressin should have their eligibility for liver transplants protected under the MELD scoring system, which determines waitlist priority; they highlight that, while terlipressin might help some patients improve their chances, cost and availability pose serious challenges. It’s essential to ensure that all stakeholders, including healthcare providers and policymakers, work together to improve access to this treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with severe liver disease and their doctors.

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This study looked at how psychotherapy can help people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) avoid serious liver problems. Out of nearly 10,000 patients with AUD, those who received psychotherapy were 41% less likely to develop alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) compared to those who didn't get therapy. This is important because preventing liver disease can be much easier than treating it once it occurs. Who this helps: This helps patients with alcohol use disorder and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at a substance called fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21) in patients with serious liver issues caused by alcohol consumption. Researchers found that FGF-21 levels were significantly higher in patients with severe alcohol-associated hepatitis, with average levels of 3,052 pg/mL compared to 1,235 pg/mL in those with alcohol-associated cirrhosis. This finding is important because it shows that measuring FGF-21 can help doctors better identify patients with severe alcohol-related liver disease, which could improve treatment outcomes. Who this helps: This helps doctors in diagnosing and managing patients with severe alcohol-related liver disease.

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This study looked at acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with liver cirrhosis who were hospitalized in the U.S. In a group of 2,063 patients, the most common cause of AKI was prerenal issues (44%), followed by acute tubular necrosis (30%) and hepatorenal syndrome (12%). By 90 days, 36.5% of patients had died, with similar mortality rates around 50% for those with hepatorenal syndrome and acute tubular necrosis. Understanding these outcomes helps improve care and treatment strategies for patients with cirrhosis and AKI. Who this helps: This helps patients with liver cirrhosis and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the ongoing risk of liver cancer in people who have cleared a chronic hepatitis C virus infection but still have serious liver damage (advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis). Researchers found that even after successfully treating hepatitis C, patients with severe liver conditions still face a significant risk of developing liver cancer. It’s important to keep checking these patients for cancer, as new methods to identify and prevent it are being developed. Who this helps: This helps patients who have been treated for hepatitis C but still have severe liver damage.

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This study looked at whether showing a video about the colonoscopy procedure two days before the appointment could improve patient satisfaction compared to the standard practice of getting consent right before the procedure. It involved 2,561 patients, and while overall satisfaction did not change significantly, those who watched the video were more likely to feel they had enough time to discuss their concerns with their doctors, with a noted 29% increase in satisfaction on this aspect. Additionally, doctors were more satisfied with the efficiency of the consent process after the video was introduced. Who this helps: This benefits patients and doctors by enhancing communication and understanding before the procedure.

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This study looked at how eating iron-rich pearl millet affects the physical activity levels of Indian schoolchildren aged 12 to 16 over six months. It found that children consuming iron-biofortified pearl millet were active for an average of 22 more minutes each day when compared to those eating regular millet. Increasing iron intake from this food also led to less time spent sitting down. Who this helps: This benefits Indian schoolchildren by promoting healthier activity levels.

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This study looked at how well next-generation sequencing (NGS) works for diagnosing cancer in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a condition that increases the risk of bile duct cancer. Researchers tested NGS alongside traditional methods on samples from 60 PSC patients and found that NGS was more effective at detecting high-risk changes associated with cancer than the other methods. Specifically, NGS identified genetic mutations in all cases of advanced disease and provided reliable results over time, which can lead to better treatment options. Who this helps: This benefits patients with PSC and their doctors by improving cancer detection methods.

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This study looked at the link between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and heart problems. It found that people with NAFLD have a 2.5 times higher risk of developing cardiovascular issues compared to those without the condition. Understanding this connection is important because it highlights the need for better care and monitoring of patients with fatty liver disease to prevent heart disease. Who this helps: This helps patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and their doctors.

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This study examined how iron levels affect productivity in tea pickers in India. Researchers found that women with low iron levels harvested an average of 2.02 kilograms (about 9.1%) less tea in three hours compared to those with normal iron levels, which also meant a 4% lower wage for them. Improving iron levels could lead to better productivity and higher wages, which is important for the workers’ financial well-being. Who this helps: This helps tea producers and workers struggling with iron deficiency.

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Children who receive livers from living donors—usually parents—have better long-term outcomes than those receiving deceased-donor organs, but living donor transplants remain rare in the U.S. This study found that living-donor recipients also showed immunological advantages, with lower rejection rates likely tied to the partial genetic match with a parent donor. The data make a strong case for expanding living donor programs for children.

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Most adult living-donor liver transplants use the larger right lobe because of worries that the smaller left lobe won't provide enough liver mass to the recipient. This largest North American report on left lobe adult-to-adult living donor transplants showed comparable outcomes to right lobe grafts when donors and recipients were well selected. Left lobe donation is safer for donors and more feasible than commonly assumed.

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Researchers studied the impact of iron-enriched pearl millet on the iron levels of school children in India. They found that after six months, children who ate the iron-fortified millet were 1.64 times more likely to have sufficient iron levels compared to those who ate regular millet; 41% of the children were iron deficient at the start of the study. This is important because improving iron levels can help prevent anemia and boost the overall health of children. Who this helps: This benefits children, especially those with iron deficiency.