Patients with early-stage alcohol-associated liver disease are at increased risk of hospital readmission and death

Abstract

Background and aims Patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) can develop alcohol-associated fatty liver disease (AFLD). However, the impact of AFLD on outcomes remains unclear. We studied the impact of AFLD on readmission, 30-day mortality, and overall mortality in patients admitted with AUD. Methods Hospitalized patients with AUD between 2011 and 2019 at a tertiary medical center were retrospectively evaluated. Our population included patients with AUD with AFLD: AST and ALT elevation and serum bilirubin <3 mg/dl. Patients with AUD without evidence of liver disease served as control and were labeled as no ALD. Patients with alcohol-associated cirrhosis (AC) and alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) were included for comparison. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and multivariable regression for predictors of mortality and survival were performed. Results There were 7522 patients of which 32.44% were female with mean age of 51.86 ± 14.41 years. Patient distribution included no ALD (n = 3775), AFLD (n = 2192), AC (n = 1017) and AH (n = 538) groups. Compared to no ALD group, AFLD group was associated with significantly higher 30-day mortality [4.43% vs. 1.56%, hazard ratio (HR): 2.84; P < 0.001], overall mortality [15.97% vs. 12.69%, HR 1.40, P < 0.001], and 30-day readmission [21.85% vs. 18.49%, odds ratio: 1.21; P < 0.01]. Conclusion We demonstrated that AFLD is not a benign entity and poses significant mortality risk. Our results suggest that AFLD may be under-recognized and highlight the need for focused management and close follow-up after discharge.