Leukocyte Telomere Length and Mortality in Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease
Author Information
Author(s): Yi Jiahong, Guo Hui, Jiang Chang, Duan Junyi, Xue Ju, Zhao Yue, He Wenzhuo, Xia Liangping
Primary Institution: Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center
Hypothesis
Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) might correlate with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in patients with alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD).
Conclusion
Longer leukocyte telomere length improves survival in patients with ALD and decreases cardiovascular and cancer-related mortality.
Supporting Evidence
- Longer LTL was associated with decreased all-cause mortality.
- Shorter LTL resulted in higher cancer-caused mortality.
- Longer LTL improved survival especially for elder patients and men.
- Four sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the findings.
Takeaway
If you have a longer telomere length, you might live longer if you have liver disease from drinking alcohol.
Methodology
Data from the NHANES 1999–2002 was analyzed using Cox regression models and sensitivity analyses.
Potential Biases
Potential unknown confounding factors may have influenced the results.
Limitations
The study design was retrospective and cross-sectional, limiting causal inferences.
Participant Demographics
Among the 2,519 participants, 409 were older than 65 years, and 1,775 were men.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
[0.42–0.71]
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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