Liver fibrosis screening increases alcohol abstinence

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Addiction Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) face elevated risks for liver disease.
• Limited data exists on the impact of liver fibrosis screening on alcohol consumption in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a liver fibrosis screening program combined with lifestyle counseling on alcohol consumption in individuals with AUD.

Main Methods:

• A prospective interventional study comparing a screening cohort (transient elastography, counseling) with a control cohort (no screening).
• Alcohol consumption was assessed at 6 months via clinical evaluation and urine ethyl glucuronide monitoring.

Main Results:

• The screening cohort showed a higher abstinence rate (45%) compared to the control cohort (29%) (p=0.002).
• Factors associated with abstinence included AUD medications, absence of illicit drug use, and participation in the screening program.
• Increased liver stiffness (≥8 kPa) was detected in 12% of the screening cohort, linked to obesity, hypertension, and elevated liver enzymes/platelets.

Conclusions:

• An integrated screening program for liver fibrosis and counseling improves alcohol abstinence in individuals with AUD.
• This approach facilitates early detection of alcohol-associated liver disease and supports therapeutic interventions for AUD.