Fetuin A Levels and Survival in Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis
Author Information
Author(s): Kalabay László, Gráf László, Vörös Krisztián, Jakab László, Benkő Zsuzsa, Telegdy László, Fekete Béla, Prohászka Zoltán, Füst George
Primary Institution: Semmelweis University
Hypothesis
Decreased serum AHSG levels are associated with long-term mortality in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis.
Conclusion
Serum AHSG concentration is a reliable and sensitive indicator of 1-year mortality in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis.
Supporting Evidence
- 41 patients died during the 1-year follow-up period, 37 of them had liver failure.
- Deceased patients had lower baseline AHSG levels than the 52 patients who survived.
- The cutoff AHSG level of 365 μg/ml could differentiate between deceased and survived patients.
- Initial AHSG concentrations < 365 μg/ml were associated with a high mortality rate of 91.4%.
Takeaway
If a patient with liver cirrhosis has low levels of a protein called AHSG, they are much more likely to die within a year compared to those with higher levels.
Methodology
Serum AHSG concentrations were determined in 89 patients by radial immunodiffusion at enrollment and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.
Limitations
The study excluded patients with cirrhosis of viral origin, autoimmune etiology, liver cancer, and those treated with hepatotoxic drugs.
Participant Demographics
93 patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis (52 men, 41 women, mean age: 54 ± 13 years).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% C.I.: 4.258–22.898
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website