Alcohol-Induced Hepatic Cirrhosis Is Rising Among Young Adults.
1Division of Transplant Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
2Department of Psychiatry &
Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
3Division of Hepatology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Meeting: 2017 American Transplant Congress
Abstract number: 444
Session Information
Session Name: Concurrent Session: Liver Waitlist Outcome and Risk Stratification
Session Type: Concurrent Session
Date: Tuesday, May 2, 2017
Session Time: 2:30pm-4:00pm
Presentation Time: 3:30pm-3:42pm
Location: E271a
Background: Alcoholic cirrhosis is a common indication for liver transplantation. Recent population studies have shown no change in the overall prevalence of alcohol use, but a substantial increase in heavy and binge drinking – an important factor for developing severe alcoholic liver disease in young adults. We sought to examine temporal trends in the indication for liver transplantation, with a focus on alcoholic cirrhosis.
Methods: Patients undergoing liver transplantation between 2002 and 2015 in the United Network of Organ Sharing Standard Transplant Analysis and Research file were characterized by the etiology of their liver disease and patients with a diagnosis of alcoholic cirrhosis were selected for this study. Patients with acute alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis with concomitant HCV infection were excluded. For alcoholic cirrhosis patients, time series analysis was performed and before and after groups were compared using a student's t-test.
Results: Of 74,216 liver transplant recipients, 29.2% underwent transplant for HCV, 22.4% for hepatocellular carcinoma, 12.7% for alcoholic cirrhosis, and 35.7% for other etiologies. The total number of transplants increased 34% between 2002 and 2015. Among alcoholic recipients, the mean MELD increased from 21 in 2002 to 29 in 2015 (p<0.05). Time series analysis showed a significant increase in liver transplants for alcoholic cirrhosis beginning in 2013 (p<0.05), with significantly more transplants done in the 41-50 age group (p<0.05) after 2013, and a trend towards significance in age groups 18-30, 31-40 and 61-70.
| Age Groups | Average Per Year 2002-12 | Average Per Year 2013-15 | Percent Increase | p |
| 18-30 | 4.3 | 14.3 | 335% | 0.09 |
| 31-40 | 40.7 | 84.0 | 206% | 0.07 |
| 41-50 | 170.5 | 219.7 | 129% | 0.04 |
| 51-60 | 264.5 | 314.3 | 119% | 0.16 |
| 61-70 | 138.4 | 195.0 | 141% | 0.08 |
| 71-83 | 7.9 | 9.3 | 118% | 0.3 |
Conclusions: The incidence of liver transplantation for alcoholic cirrhosis has significantly increased in recent years, particularly in younger age groups. Screening and preventive measures aimed at early detection and risk reduction should be tailored towards these groups.
CITATION INFORMATION: Kling C, Perkins J, Donovan D, Carithers R, Sibulesky L. Alcohol-Induced Hepatic Cirrhosis Is Rising Among Young Adults. Am J Transplant. 2017;17 (suppl 3).
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
Kling C, Perkins J, Donovan D, Carithers R, Sibulesky L. Alcohol-Induced Hepatic Cirrhosis Is Rising Among Young Adults. [abstract]. Am J Transplant. 2017; 17 (suppl 3). https://atcmeetingabstracts.com/abstract/alcohol-induced-hepatic-cirrhosis-is-rising-among-young-adults/. Accessed May 13, 2025.« Back to 2017 American Transplant Congress