Burden, Quality of Life, and Palliative Care for Family Caregivers of Individuals with Advanced Liver Disease: a Systematic Literature Review

Purpose of Review Identify and describe prior studies of family caregiver quality of life, health, and burden experienced while caring for patients with advanced liver disease and the possible role of palliative care. Recent Findings Thirty-six articles were identified that met inclusion criteria. Studies identified included cross-sectional, longitudinal, and prospective intervention studies, with a high proportion of qualitative and descriptive research. Resulting studies addressed type of family caregiver burden, including physical, psychological, and financial causes of burden, including HE, lack of information and communication, and unpredictability of the disease course. Few prospective studies were identified. The interventions described included nurse-led palliative care, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and coping interventions. Summary Little has been published on the nature of family caregiving, burden, quality of life, or the role of palliative care for family caregivers of people with advanced liver disease. Prospective studies that address unmet family caregiver needs, including palliative care interventions, are lacking.

Diagnostic Testing for SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Purpose of Review Given the rapid development of diagnostic approaches to test for and diagnose infection with SARS-CoV-2, many options are available to assess infection. Multiple established diagnostic companies are now providing testing platforms whereas initially, testing was being performed with simple PCR-based tests using standard laboratory reagents. Recent Findings. Additional testing platforms continue to be developed but challenges with testing, including obtaining testing reagents and other related supplies, are frequently encountered. With time, the testing supply chain will improve and more companies will be providing materials to support these testing efforts. In the USA, the need for rapid assay development and subsequent approval through attainment of emergency use authorization (EUA) has superseded the traditional arduous diagnostic testing approval workflow mandated by the FDA. It is anticipated that the USA will be able to continue to significantly increase its testing capabilities to address this pandemic; however, challenges remain due to the diversity of the performance characteristics of tests being utilized. Summary This review provides an overview of the current diagnostic testing landscape, with pertinent information related to SARS-CoV-2 virology and antibody responses, that is available to diagnose infection.