Emerging Trends in Patients Hospitalised With Cirrhosis—Aetiologies, Complications and Outcomes Compared to Other Chronic Health Conditions

Abstract

BackgroundThe aetiologies, complications and overall burden of cirrhosis have undergone changes in recent years.AimsThis study aimed to assess the emerging trends in cirrhosis and its complications whilst also comparing them to other major chronic health conditions.MethodsThis retrospective study covering 2011–2022 was conducted at the Charité University Hospital Berlin and University Hospital Leipzig (validation cohort), Germany. ICD‐10 codes were used to identify patients with cirrhosis, its complications and comorbidities. Changes in demographics, aetiologies, complication rates and inpatient mortality were assessed. Trends were compared against major chronic health conditions.Results24,567 (Berlin) and 14,141 (Leipzig) inpatient admissions for cirrhosis were identified. Overall admission numbers have been decreasing; however, in‐hospital mortality and complication rates have been increasing. Alcohol‐related liver disease was persistently the most common cause of cirrhosis (42%). Mortality rates for admissions with variceal haemorrhage and gastrointestinal bleeding have increased from 15.53% and 10.53% in 2011 to 27.69% and 31.25% in 2022, respectively. Cirrhosis admissions had some of the highest rates of inpatient mortality (7.45%), despite being considerably younger and less comorbid than admissions with other chronic health conditions. Over time, the median age of admissions with other chronic diseases increased considerably more than admissions with cirrhosis. In the validation cohort, high inpatient mortality, increasing GI bleeding associated mortality, and complications rates were confirmed.ConclusionCirrhosis remains a significant clinical and public health challenge and is falling behind other major comorbidities with regard to inpatient outcomes. A focus on improved resource allocation and management options is warranted.