Which Factors are Predictive for Mortality among Hospitalized Patients with Cirrhosis?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Cirrhotic patients admitted to the hospital have a high mortality rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate predictors of mortality in patients hospitalized for specific complications of cirrhosis.

METHODOLOGY: All patients admitted to the gastroenterology service with cirrhosis during a 2-year period were retrospectively identified. We compared the clinical characteristics of patients who died and those who survived. Multivariable analysis was performed to determine predictors of mortality.

RESULTS: A total of 84 patients were included in the study. In hospital mortality rate was 35%. Hepatorenal syndrome development (41% vs 4%, p < 0.001), MELD score (17 vs 12, p = 0.003), Child Pugh score (11 vs 8, p < 0.001), serum creatinine (p < 0.001) and serum potassium values (p = 0.01) were significantly higher in patients who died. Stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that the best model in prediction of death included serum potassium levels (OR = 2.182; 95% Cl: 1.189-4.006; p < 0.001) and Child Pugh score (OR = 2.140; 95% CI: 1.507-3,038; p = 0.012).

CONCLUSIONS: The mortality of cirrhotic patients admitted to hospital is significantly high. Prevention of acute kidney injury will be an appropriate approach for improving the survival in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis.