A Study on Relative Effects of Alcohol Use in Decompensated Chronic Liver Disease in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Liver disease can progress from a compensated state to decompensated cirrhosis. Alcohol consumption accelerates liver injury in both stages, but its impact is particularly pronounced in decompensated chronic liver disease (DCLD). Objective: To estimate the relative effects of heavy and moderate alcohol consumption in patients with DCLD and CLD, to determine the prevalence of alcohol use among DCLD patients, and to evaluate its impact on disease progression and severity. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over six months in a government general hospital, Kurnool [Dist]. Patients aged ≥18 years were enrolled and randomized into two groups DCLD and CLD. Patients were evaluated for changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, renal function markers, and incidence of adverse effects. Alcohol consumption patterns were categorized as heavy, moderate, or low. Results: Heavy alcohol intake was the major contributing factor for progression from CLD to DCLD. Males exhibited a higher prevalence of DCLD compared to females. No significant difference in DCLD prevalence was observed between moderate alcohol consumers and non-drinkers. Patients over 40 years had a higher susceptibility to DCLD. Conclusion: Excessive alcohol consumption is strongly associated with the development and progression of DCLD. Age above 40 years and male gender were identified as additional risk factors.