Effect of Alcohol Consumption on Variceal Rebleeding and Mortality
Author Information
Author(s): McCormick, P.A., Morgan, M.Y., Phillips, A., Yin, T.P., Mclntyre, N., Burroughs, A.K.
Primary Institution: Royal Free Hospital
Hypothesis
What is the effect of continued alcohol intake on prognosis in alcoholic cirrhotics who have bled from varices?
Conclusion
Continued alcohol use does not have a detrimental effect on survival or rebleeding rate following an initial variceal bleed.
Supporting Evidence
- 66 patients died within 30 days of admission.
- Survival probability at 2 years was 66% for probable abstainers, 68% for occasional drinkers, and 63% for alcohol abusers.
- No significant differences in mortality or rebleeding rates were found between the three groups.
Takeaway
This study found that drinking alcohol after a serious liver bleed doesn't seem to make things worse for patients.
Methodology
The study involved 189 consecutive alcoholic cirrhotics admitted for variceal bleeding, with follow-up on their alcohol use and health outcomes.
Potential Biases
The particular interest of the research group in long-term management may have influenced the findings.
Limitations
The study lacked definitive management for variceal bleeding in 75% of patients, which may affect the applicability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Patients were alcoholic cirrhotics admitted for variceal bleeding.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0122
Statistical Significance
p 0.0122
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