Longitudinal changes in fibrosis markers are associated with risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Background & Aims: Currently, there is no consistent information on the course of fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score changes in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or their association with subsequent risk of cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Thus, we aimed to evaluate the association between longitudinal changes in FIB-4 and subsequent risk of HCC and a composite endpoint of cirrhosis and HCC in patients with NAFLD.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with NAFLD seen in 130 Veterans Administration hospitals between 1/1/2004-12/31/2008, with follow-up through to 12/31/2018.

Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Various HFE Genotypes.

Background And Aims: Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is associated with increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, HCC risk factors within this population and across various HFE genotypes remain unclear.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with ≥ 1 HFE genotype test in the Veterans Health Administration.

Clinical Course and Outcomes of Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease-Related Hepatocellular Cancer (NAFLD-HCC).

Background & Aims: Among etiologies for hepatocellular (HCC), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) carries a high risk of competing non-cancer mortality. The effect of cancer and non-cancer factors on risk of death after NAFLD-HCC diagnosis remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the role of non-cancer mortality with NAFLD-HCC.

Acceptability and feasibility of video-based coaching to enhance clinicians' communication skills with patients.

Background: Despite a growing call to train clinicians in interpersonal communication skills, communication training is either not offered or is minimally effective, if at all. A critical need exists to develop new ways of teaching communication skills that are effective and mindful of clinician time pressures. We propose a program that includes real-time observation and video-based coaching to teach clinician communication skills.

Risk of Hepatocellular Cancer in Patients With Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Background & Aims: There are limited data on the risk of hepatocellular cancer (HCC) in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to estimate the risk of incident HCC among patients with NAFLD.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study from a total of 130 facilities in the Veterans Health Administration.