Over-the-counter analgesics in cirrhotic patients: a case-control study examining the risk of hospitalization for liver-associated events.

Publication/Presentation Date

9-1-2010

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between over-the-counter analgesic (OTCA) use and hospitalization for liver-associated events in cirrhotic patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety adult cirrhotics admitted with liver-associated events and 126 non-hospitalized cirrhotic controls were enrolled prospectively into a case-control study. Standardized questionnaires were used to obtain predictor variables, including detailed 30-day OTCA use. Data were analyzed via logistic regression.

RESULTS: Hepatitis C (43%), alcohol (34%), and cryptogenic (13%) were the most common etiologies of cirrhosis. OTCA use was similar between cases and controls in the 30 days prior to enrollment (34% vs. 44%; odds ratio, OR = 0.66, 95% confidence interval, CI = 0.37-1.16, p = 0.148). Adjusted analyses also found no significant association between OTCA use and hospitalization for liver-associated events (OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.38-1.38, p = 0.330). Furosemide (p = 0.001), lactulose (p = 0.026), and number of prior liver-associated events (p = 0.002) were positively associated with hospitalization, while propranolol showed an inverse association (p = 0.008).

CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that non-excessive OTCA use is not significantly associated with hospitalization for liver-associated events.

Volume

45

Issue

9

First Page

1101

Last Page

1109

ISSN

1502-7708

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

PubMedID

20230184

Department(s)

Administration and Leadership

Document Type

Article

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