Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 21, 2026

Histological Analyses of Acute Alcoholic Liver Injury in Zebrafish
10:45

Histological Analyses of Acute Alcoholic Liver Injury in Zebrafish

Published on: May 25, 2017

Hepatitis C virus infection in alcoholic hepatitis: prevalence patterns and impact on in-hospital mortality

Ashwani K Singal1, Yong-Fang Kuo, Bhupinderjit S Anand

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Aging, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 55905, USA. ashwanisingal.com@gmail.com

European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology
|June 28, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is more common in alcoholic hepatitis (AH) patients. While in-hospital mortality for AH has decreased, HCV infection independently predicts higher mortality in these patients.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are leading causes of cirrhosis in the USA.
  • Limited data exist on the prevalence and mortality trends of HCV in patients with AH.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the prevalence of HCV infection among patients diagnosed with AH.
  • To evaluate the impact of HCV on in-hospital mortality within the AH patient cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the Nationwide Inpatient Sample dataset from 1998-2007.
  • Stratified AH patients based on HCV status and analyzed factors associated with HCV positivity and in-hospital mortality using multivariable logistic regression.

Main Results:

  • HCV prevalence in AH patients increased from 3.6% in 1998 to 7.7% in 2007.
  • In-hospital mortality for AH patients decreased by approximately 7% annually from 1998 to 2007.
  • HCV infection was identified as an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality in AH patients (OR 1.29, P=0.0005).

Conclusions:

  • Patients with AH exhibit a higher prevalence of HCV compared to the general population.
  • Despite overall improvements in in-hospital mortality for AH, HCV infection remains a significant risk factor for increased mortality.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the interaction mechanisms between HCV and AH and to develop targeted treatment strategies for improved outcomes in co-infected patients.
Abstract

More Related Videos

A Three-Dimensional Spheroid Model to Investigate the Tumor-Stromal Interaction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma12:24

A Three-Dimensional Spheroid Model to Investigate the Tumor-Stromal Interaction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Published on: September 30, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Hepatitis01:25

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction01:28

Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction

Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...
Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology01:24

Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology

Cirrhosis is a progressive chronic liver injury caused by prolonged inflammation, excessive fibrotic remodeling, and impaired regeneration. Over time, repeated hepatic insults disrupt the liver’s architecture and function, leading to reduced blood flow, impaired bile drainage, and diminished metabolic capacity.Pathophysiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis arises from three main responses to chronic liver damage: inflammation, immune activation, and hepatocyte death. These processes lead to structural...
Cirrhosis I: Introduction01:23

Cirrhosis I: Introduction

Cirrhosis is a chronic, irreversible liver disease characterized by the widespread replacement of healthy liver tissue with fibrotic scar tissue and the formation of regenerative nodules.Etiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis results from sustained liver injury that triggers progressive fibrosis and structural remodeling. The underlying causes are diverse, encompassing common and less frequent clinical conditions. Regardless of the origin, all causes lead to chronic inflammation, hepatocyte loss, and...
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test01:22

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test

In clinical practice, the direct measurement of hepatic blood flow to evaluate liver function presents significant challenges due to the intricate and specialized nature of the necessary techniques. Consequently, healthcare professionals often rely on empirical estimates derived from thorough patient examinations and liver function tests to gauge liver health. Among the tools at their disposal, the Child–Pugh and MELD scoring systems stand out for their ability to categorize and assess the...
Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder01:26

Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder

Liver and gallbladder diseases are a significant health concern, with prominent conditions including cirrhosis, hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and gallstones. Jaundice is a common manifestation of liver and biliary disease.
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not related to...