Abstract :
Introduction: Chronic excessive alcohol consumption is a major public health problem. Abstinence
results in better liver function and regression of cirrhosis. Non-invasive method to confirm cirrhosis regression
should be used to encourage sustainable abstinence. We aim to prove the usefulness of transient elastography for
follow up of cirrhosis regression.
Method: Transient elastography was performed in chronic alcohol users at entry into the study, and
repeated at 3 and 6 months to detect changes of liver stiffness. Other nutritional measures were also implemented
alongside.
Results: Forty-one patients were included in the study. The mean liver stiffness at entry was 8.8 ± 10.9
Kpa (2.4 - 52.3). Data were compared between at entry and at month 3rd in the abstinent vs. non-abstinent group. In
the abstinent group, MCV was decreased (94.5 ± 9.9 vs. 88.8 ± 9.9 , p < 0.01 , 95% CI 2.7 - 8.9); serum albumin
increased (4.0 ± 0.4 vs. 4.3 ± 0.3, p = 0.02 , 95% CI -0.5 to -0.03); and liver stiffness tended to decrease (8.9 ± 10.7
vs. 6.1 ± 3.1, p=0.05). Comparison of changes at month-3 between the two groups showed only Δ MCV that was
statistically significant (p=0.004). There was no statistical significant difference in the change of Hb, WBC, body
weight, triceps skin fold, and liver stiffness, either within the group or between the two groups.
Conclusion: In the abstinent group, parameters such as MCV and albumin were improved with statis-
tical significance, and liver stiffness also tended to decrease at 3 month. The improvement of liver stiffness and
nutrition could be used as encouraging information for further abstinence. |
file/Thai-Journal-of-gastroenterology-vol-14-no-1-1775405.pdf