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Hepatitis C and hospital outcomes in patients admitted with alcohol-related problems

Judith I Tsui1, Mark J Pletcher, Eric Vittinghoff

  • 1Division of General Medicine, General Internal Medicine Section (111A1), San Francisco Veteran Administration Medical Center, University of California, 4150 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA. judith.tsui@med.va.gov

Journal of Hepatology
|October 18, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Hospitalized patients with alcohol abuse and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection face higher mortality risks and longer hospital stays. This study highlights the critical impact of co-infection on patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Alcohol abuse and chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are known contributors to liver disease.
  • The combined impact on acutely hospitalized patients with alcohol problems requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the effect of HCV infection on hospital mortality.
  • To assess the impact of HCV infection on length of hospital stay in patients with alcohol abuse.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 6354 hospital admissions for alcohol dependence or abuse.
  • Extraction of hepatitis C diagnosis and other data from a clinical database.
  • Multivariable regression analysis to test associations with death and length of hospital stay.

Main Results:

  • 15% of patients with alcohol abuse had a diagnosed HCV infection.
  • HCV-infected patients were twice as likely to die during admission (4.4% vs. 2.4%, P<0.01).
  • Patients with HCV had significantly longer hospital stays (19% longer).

Conclusions:

  • Hospitalized patients with alcohol-related diagnoses and HCV infection experience increased mortality.
  • HCV co-infection is associated with prolonged hospital stays in patients with alcohol abuse.
Abstract

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