DR. GERALD SCOTT WINDER, M.D.

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This study focuses on Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and its impact on liver disease, highlighting how it challenges both patients and doctors. Researchers found that clinicians often face stigma when dealing with patients with AUD, leading to misunderstandings and less effective care. Addressing these issues is important because it can improve treatment outcomes for those dealing with alcohol-related liver disease. Who this helps: This helps patients with alcohol use disorder and liver disease.

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This paper looks at how to care for patients with alcohol-related liver disease after they have a liver transplant. It highlights the importance of preventing patients from going back to drinking, noting that with the right support and treatment, survival rates for these patients are similar to those who receive transplants for other reasons. Long-term success depends on staying sober and receiving comprehensive care. Who this helps: This benefits patients recovering from liver transplants and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how stigma affects people's health choices related to liver disease, particularly focusing on harmful behaviors such as drinking alcohol and poor eating habits. The researchers discussed that while stigma normally has negative effects on behavior change, there may be some situations where it could motivate patients to improve their habits. Understanding these influences can help doctors find better ways to support their patients in making healthier choices. Who this helps: Patients with liver disease and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how to better manage complications that can arise after a liver transplant, focusing on issues like graft rejection and the use of medications to prevent the body from rejecting the new organ. Experts reviewed recent research and created guidelines, recommending practices that are based on strong evidence for some areas, like using machine perfusion for organs and the safety of immunosuppressive drugs. This matters because it can help improve patient survival and organ function after transplantation. Who this helps: Patients who have received or are waiting for a liver transplant.

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This research looks at how alcohol use disorder affects people and how new treatments might help. The study found that changes in gut bacteria and immune system issues can worsen liver damage in people who drink heavily. Understanding these connections could lead to better therapies, like probiotics and other medications, to help those struggling with alcohol addiction and its effects on the liver. Who this helps: This helps patients with alcohol use disorder and healthcare providers working to treat them.

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This study looked at how alcohol and drug use disorders affect young people aged 10 to 24. It found that over 13 million adolescents and young adults have alcohol use disorders, making it the most common issue, followed by cannabis and opioid use disorders. Although some substance use has decreased from 2010 to 2019, opioid use disorders are on the rise, especially in Europe and the Americas, which have the highest rates of these disorders; addressing this problem is essential for improving young people's health and safety. Who this helps: This helps adolescents and young adults struggling with substance use and the healthcare providers supporting them.

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This study looked at how often medications for alcohol use disorder are prescribed to patients with serious liver problems in the U.S. Over the past ten years, prescriptions for these medications have grown, with naltrexone being the most commonly prescribed at 65% of cases. This is important because treating alcohol use disorder can improve health outcomes for patients with alcohol-related liver disease, allowing them to manage their condition better. Who this helps: Patients with alcohol use disorder and liver disease.

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This study looked at how alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects health, particularly liver disease, and explored ways to improve care for patients. Researchers found that many doctors aren't properly assessing alcohol use due to various challenges, but using tools like standardized questionnaires and biological markers can help identify at-risk individuals. Effective treatments that don't involve medication, such as therapy and support groups, work for all patients, even those with severe liver damage, and care should involve multiple healthcare specialists. Who this helps: This benefits patients with alcohol use disorder and liver disease, as well as their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how addiction issues, particularly related to alcohol, affect patients before and after liver transplants. The researchers found that untreated substance use disorders (SUDs) can lead to serious problems, such as losing the transplanted liver or death, and can significantly lower patients' quality of life. By improving teamwork between addiction specialists and medical professionals, these issues can be better managed, leading to better outcomes for patients. Who this helps: Patients undergoing liver transplants and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how to improve care for people with alcohol-related liver disease, which is a major cause of liver problems and often leads to liver transplants. Researchers found that new interprofessional clinics, which combine different types of medical expertise, can help meet the growing needs of patients. They propose a broader approach that includes long-term support and connections to external resources to better address both medical and emotional needs. Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from alcohol-related liver issues and their families.

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This study looked at how treating both alcohol use disorder (AUD) and alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) together can improve patient health. Researchers found that when liver specialists and AUD specialists work together, patients have better outcomes, including fewer return visits to the hospital and lower death rates. Specifically, integrated care models showed a significant reduction in the chances of patients going back to drinking alcohol. Who this helps: This benefits patients struggling with both alcohol problems and liver disease.

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This study focused on understanding how to handle cases where patients’ self-reported alcohol use does not match the results from a test called phosphatidylethanol (PEth), which measures alcohol consumption. The researchers highlighted that PEth is a reliable test but noted that many patients may feel pressured to hide their drinking habits, which can complicate treatment. Effective communication strategies are suggested to help doctors address discrepancies between what patients say and their test results. Who this helps: This benefits liver transplant patients and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how liver transplant teams evaluate the psychological and social factors of patients, which are important but often misunderstood parts of the process. Researchers found that there’s a big gap between the need for better psychosocial support in liver transplants and the actual expertise available, highlighting that current practices vary widely among clinicians. By creating a clear framework for assessing these factors, the study aims to improve how teams evaluate patients and make better-informed decisions. Who this helps: This helps liver transplant patients and the medical teams that care for them.

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This study focused on using artificial intelligence to detect risky alcohol use in patients before surgery by analyzing their electronic health records. Researchers found that a natural language processing (NLP) model correctly identified 87% of patients with risky alcohol use, compared to just 29% using traditional diagnosis codes. This is important because identifying these patients can lead to better treatment and safer surgeries. Who this helps: Patients undergoing surgery with risky alcohol use.

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This study looked at patients in the U.S. who were diagnosed with functional seizures and referred to a specialized clinic. Of the 700 patients followed, 11 died, resulting in a mortality rate of 8.2 deaths per 1,000 patient-years and a mortality rate 2.4 times higher than expected for their age, sex, and race. This is important because it shows that people with functional seizures face a higher risk of death even shortly after getting a diagnosis and treatment. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and healthcare providers working with patients who have functional seizures.

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The study looked at how cannabis use is affecting people who are candidates for or have received liver transplants, especially since more states are legalizing it. It found that over 75% of liver transplant recipients are in states where cannabis use is allowed, which raises important questions about how it might affect their treatment and recovery. This matters because understanding cannabis use can help doctors provide better care and make informed decisions for their patients. Who this helps: Doctors and healthcare providers involved in liver transplant care.

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This study looked at why people with alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) often don’t receive help to stop drinking, despite its benefits. Researchers interviewed 25 patients and found that many believed they were safe from relapse if they didn’t feel urges to drink, and they largely underestimated the role of other factors, like medication or the severity of their liver issues. Recognizing these misunderstandings can help doctors create better support systems for patients to stop drinking effectively. Who this helps: Patients with alcohol-related liver disease.

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This research paper looks at liver transplants for people with alcohol-related liver disease (ALD), which is a major health issue worldwide. It found that the survival rates for patients receiving liver transplants due to ALD are similar to those for transplants done for other reasons, but more tools are needed to identify the right patients for surgery and to improve their care before and after the transplant. Understanding these factors can help ensure that patients who need transplants for alcohol-related issues can get the best possible outcomes. Who this helps: Patients struggling with alcohol-related liver disease and needing a liver transplant.

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This research paper looks at how to effectively treat people with alcohol use disorder (AUD), especially those also suffering from liver problems caused by alcohol. The findings reveal that using a mix of medication, therapy, and support services leads to better recovery outcomes than using any single method alone. For example, combining these approaches can significantly help patients avoid worsening liver disease and death. Who this helps: This benefits patients with alcohol use disorder, particularly those with liver disease.

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Researchers studied how living liver donor programs in the U.S. evaluate the mental and emotional health of potential donors. They found that most programs include social workers and psychiatrists in their evaluation teams but rarely use standardized assessment tools. There are several strict reasons, such as active substance abuse or severe mental health issues, that would prevent someone from donating, and while many programs do follow up with donors after the surgery, they rarely check in with those who were not approved to donate. This matters because improving the evaluation process could ensure the safety and well-being of both donors and recipients.

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This study looked at how kidney transplant centers in the U.S. evaluate the mental health and support needs of people who want to donate a kidney. Out of nearly 200 centers surveyed, over 90% reported that they assess candidates with known mental health or substance use issues, but only half considered active depression a reason to disqualify someone from donating. The findings highlight a lack of consistent practices in evaluating and supporting kidney donors, which is important for ensuring their well-being before and after donation.

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A liver disease specialist committee developed 41 quality measures covering the entire pre-transplant journey — from when a doctor first refers a patient through organ acceptance — to reduce variation in how transplant centers evaluate and list patients. The measures span structure, process, and outcomes, with patients rating "understanding the transplant process" as most important. This framework gives transplant programs a concrete tool for local quality improvement that goes beyond what's already tracked for regulatory reporting.

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This paper discusses how to identify and treat depression in patients who have received solid organ transplants like kidneys or hearts. It highlights that depression is common in these patients and recommends that they should all be checked for it regularly. If someone shows signs of depression, mental health support should be provided, and medications such as escitalopram or sertraline may be used to help them. Who this helps: This guidance benefits transplant patients and their doctors.

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This study examined how alcohol-related insight, or the understanding a patient has about their alcohol use and its effects, is defined and assessed in patients undergoing early liver transplantation due to acute alcohol-associated hepatitis. The researchers found that while this insight is commonly mentioned in medical literature, it is poorly defined and not measured consistently across studies. This matters because accurately evaluating this insight is crucial for making informed decisions about patient eligibility for liver transplants, which can significantly influence treatment outcomes and survival rates. Who this helps: This helps patients with alcohol-associated liver disease and the doctors involved in their care.

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This study looks at how to better treat patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) who also have chronic liver disease. It found that improving alcohol treatment access can significantly reduce mortality and improve health outcomes for these patients. The research emphasizes three main steps: detecting alcohol use, diagnosing AUD, and referring patients to proper treatment, using various methods like surveys and interviews. Who this helps: This helps patients with alcohol use disorder and chronic liver disease by improving their access to necessary treatments.

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This study looked at ways to help patients with alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) engage in treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Researchers tested a mobile health app designed to improve treatment participation and found that 27.3% of users engaged in AUD treatment after six months, compared to only 13.3% of those getting standard care. This matters because encouraging treatment for alcohol use can significantly improve health outcomes for these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with alcohol-related liver disease seeking treatment for their alcohol use.

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This study focused on improving how doctors manage alcohol use disorder (AUD) in patients with cirrhosis, a severe liver condition often linked to alcohol consumption. After training 229 clinicians in an interactive educational program, researchers found that doctors' comfort and preparedness to screen for AUD and offer treatments improved significantly, with medium to large effects in most areas. This finding matters because effective management of AUD can lead to better care for patients with cirrhosis, who face serious health challenges. Who this helps: Patients with cirrhosis and their healthcare providers.

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Living donor liver transplantation can reduce deaths on the waitlist, but its use in the U.S. remains low. This consensus conference report from the American Society of Transplantation identified barriers to wider adoption and outlined best practices for selecting candidates and engaging potential donors. The goal is to increase access to living donor transplants across more transplant centers.

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This study focused on the challenges and needs in treating alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), which is becoming a major cause of liver problems worldwide. Researchers discussed ways to better understand the disease using large data sets, create easier tests to diagnose it, identify treatment targets, and improve patient selection for liver transplants. They determined that more extensive research and coordinated care between liver specialists and addiction teams are essential for helping patients manage both liver disease and alcohol issues. Who this helps: This benefits patients with alcohol-associated liver disease and healthcare providers treating them.

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This study looked at the effects of stopping the sleep medication zolpidem in patients with liver disease (cirrhosis). Researchers found that patients who stopped taking zolpidem had a reduced risk of falls (23%) and fractures (21%) compared to those who continued using it, but there was no improvement in serious liver complications or survival rates. This is important because falls and fractures can severely impact health and quality of life for these patients, who often struggle with mental health and sleep issues. Who this helps: This helps patients with cirrhosis and their doctors manage treatment for anxiety and sleep problems more safely.

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This research focused on alcohol-related liver disease (ALD), which is a serious condition linked to alcohol use. The study found that ALD is increasingly common, especially among young people, and is now a leading reason for liver transplants. To effectively manage ALD, it’s crucial for medical and psychiatric care to work together, as no single discipline can address all the complexities of the disease alone. Who this helps: This benefits patients with alcohol-related liver disease and their healthcare providers.

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This study looks at how new laws, like the 21st Century Cures Act, which started in 2021, make it easier to share health information electronically in organ transplantation. It found that while most patients and doctors support this sharing, there’s confusion about what kinds of psychosocial information could cause harm if shared, especially since this info is important for deciding who gets an organ. To improve patient care and relationships, the authors suggest strategies for clinicians to communicate better with patients and families about these issues. Who this helps: This helps patients and their families involved in organ transplantation.

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This study looked at how cannabis (or cannabinoids) affects patients who are waiting for solid organ transplants like liver and kidney transplants. The researchers found that there is a lot of confusion and disagreement among doctors about how to handle cannabis use in these patients, leading to inconsistent policies. Specifically, they noted that most available guidelines are unclear and that health care teams often lack the training to consider the mental health impacts of cannabis on these patients. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers in managing care for transplant patients who use cannabinoids.

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This research paper looks at the challenges and opportunities related to substance use disorders (SUD) in patients receiving organ transplants. It highlights the increasing need for teamwork among healthcare professionals to effectively address the psychosocial issues linked with SUD. For example, liver transplants for patients with alcohol-related liver disease have become more common, even for those with only short sobriety periods, indicating a shift in acceptance and approach within medical teams. Who this helps: This benefits patients with substance use disorders who are in need of organ transplants and the healthcare teams that care for them.

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This study looked at how medical teams communicate with patients about mental health and addiction issues while they are being treated for liver disease, particularly in the context of liver transplantation. The researchers found that patients often overlook important psychosocial aspects of their care because they focus mainly on physical health issues, which can lead to poor outcomes. Improved communication between liver specialists and psychiatric professionals is necessary to ensure that patients receive comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of their health. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing liver transplantation, as well as the doctors involved in their care.

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This study discussed the importance of screening transplant patients for substance use before and after their procedure. The research found that while using certain substances might not necessarily prevent someone from receiving a transplant, understanding a patient's drug habits is crucial for providing safe and effective care. They recommend that transplant teams perform drug tests and monitor patients for substance use to help them manage health risks effectively. Who this helps: This helps transplant patients, doctors, and healthcare providers involved in transplantation.