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Management and outcomes of hepatic cirrhosis: Findings from the RING study
1Gastroenterology, S. Carlo Borromeo Hospital, Via Pio II 3, 20153 Milano, Italy.
Summary
Hepatic cirrhosis is a common reason for hospital admission, with a 5.7% mortality rate. Severity, hepatorenal syndrome, and bleeding varices significantly impact patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Hepatology
- Clinical Epidemiology
Background:
- Hepatic cirrhosis is a frequent cause of ordinary hospital admissions.
- The RING study analyzed hospital discharge files from Italian gastroenterology units.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of patients admitted for hepatic cirrhosis.
- To analyze the characteristics and outcomes of cirrhosis patients in Italian hospitals.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of over 50,000 hospital discharge files collected between 2001 and 2004.
- Inclusion of data from 26 Italian hospital gastroenterology units.
Main Results:
- Hepatic cirrhosis accounted for 16% of admissions, with 45% in Child-Pugh class C.
- Common complications included ascites (61.1%), portal-systemic encephalopathy (29.9%), and hepatocellular carcinoma (29.2%).
- In-hospital mortality for cirrhosis was 5.7%, double the rate for other diagnoses, and strongly associated with Child-Pugh class, hepatorenal syndrome, and bleeding varices.
Conclusions:
- Hepatic cirrhosis represents a significant burden on hospital resources with higher mortality.
- The Child-Pugh score is a valuable prognostic indicator for cirrhosis patients.
- Hepatorenal syndrome and bleeding varices are critical complications influencing in-hospital mortality.
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