Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
12:24
A Three-Dimensional Spheroid Model to Investigate the Tumor-Stromal Interaction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Published on: September 30, 2021
Alcohol-related cirrhosis mortality, 1990-2021: temporal trends and development-level inequalities
Mohsen Farrokhpour1, Mehdi Azizmohammad Looha2, Amir Fallahnia3
1Firouzgar Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Gastroenterology and Hepatology From Bed to Bench
|July 30, 2026
Summary
Global alcohol-related cirrhosis mortality decreased by 24% from 1990 to 2021, with faster declines in more developed nations. However, mortality is rising in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, highlighting regional disparities in liver disease burden.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Epidemiology
- Liver Disease Research
Background:
- Alcohol-related cirrhosis is a significant cause of liver mortality.
- Long-term global patterns of this disease are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze global and regional trends in alcohol-related cirrhosis mortality from 1990 to 2021.
- To examine the impact of the Human Development Index (HDI) on mortality rates.
- To compare spatial clusters of high-burden regions over time.
Main Methods:
- Utilized age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study.
- Employed joinpoint regression for temporal trend analysis.
- Applied multilevel longitudinal modeling to assess HDI impact and Local Moran's I for spatial clustering.
Main Results:
- Global ASMR for alcohol-related cirrhosis fell by 24% (5.40 to 4.08 per 100,000) between 1990 and 2021.
- Relative declines were greater in females than males, with steepest decreases in North Africa/Middle East and increases in Eastern Europe/Central Asia.
- More developed countries showed faster yearly ASMR declines; spatial analysis indicated a shift of hotspots to Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
Conclusions:
- While global mortality from alcohol-related cirrhosis has declined, significant regional variations persist.
- Mortality is increasing in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and declines are faster in more developed countries.
- Targeted alcohol control strategies and strengthened health systems are crucial, particularly in less-developed and high-burden regions.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Cirrhosis 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...
01:24Cirrhosis 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...
01:26Diseases 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...
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...
01:22Effect 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...
01:21Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive and irreversible inflammation of the pancreas, most often caused by long-term alcohol abuse, but it can also be related to ductal obstruction, smoking, or genetic factors.Chronic pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas is repeatedly exposed to harmful agents like alcohol, smoking, ductal obstruction, or genetic predisposition. These factors lead to the release of toxic metabolites and inflammatory cytokines, sustaining chronic inflammation in the pancreatic...
01:24Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction
Esophageal varices are dilated, tortuous veins which are found mainly in the submucosa of the lower esophagus but which may also appear higher up or extend into the stomach. They develop due to increased pressure in the portal venous system, often as a result of liver cirrhosis. This condition scars and damages the liver, impeding normal blood flow through the portal vein. To compensate, blood seeks alternative pathways, forming fragile new vessels (varices) in the esophagus and stomach. These...