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HCV, HBV and alcohol - the Dionysos study
S Bellentani1, F Scaglioni, S Ciccia
1Centro Studi Fegato, Gastroenterologia, Distretto di Carpi, Azienda USL di Modena, Carpi, Italy. liversb@unimore.it
Digestive Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 29, 2011
Summary
Ethanol intake significantly increases cirrhosis and death risk in chronic viral liver disease patients. Limiting alcohol consumption is crucial for managing hepatitis B and C, reducing severe outcomes in the general population.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Epidemiology
- Viral Hepatitis
Background:
- Population-based studies on chronic viral liver disease natural history are limited, especially regarding co-morbidities like alcohol use.
- The Dionysos study provides insights into chronic liver disease burden in Northern Italy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of ethanol intake and non-organ-specific autoantibodies (NOSA) on the course of chronic viral liver disease.
- To assess morbidity and mortality rates in general population cohorts with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections.
Main Methods:
- Followed 139 HCV and 61 HBV infected individuals for a median of 8.4 years.
- Analyzed incidence and remission rates of steatosis.
- Assessed progression to cirrhosis, hepatocarcinoma, and mortality, considering ethanol intake and NOSA.
Main Results:
- Ethanol intake was an independent predictor of liver cirrhosis and mortality in the HCV cohort.
- Progression to cirrhosis and hepatocarcinoma was more frequent in the HCV cohort than in the HBV cohort.
- No association was found between baseline NOSA and mortality.
Conclusions:
- Morbidity and mortality for HBV and HCV in the general population are lower than in clinical settings.
- Ethanol intake exceeding 30 g/day is the primary, modifiable risk factor for cirrhosis and death in chronic viral hepatitis patients.
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