Search resultsEffect of alcohol consumption on survival in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a national prospective cohort study.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) comprises more than two thirds of patients with chronic liver disease in the United States. The effect of alcohol consumption on survival in patients with NAFLD is not clear. We gathered data on National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) participants from 1988 to 2010, and linked them to National Death Index (NDI) for follow up of their survival. We diagnosed NAFLD based on a previously validated biochemical model (Hepatic Steatosis Index). We built multivariate Cox proportional hazards models to evaluate the effect of alcohol consumption on survival of patients with NAFLD. After excluding participants with significant alcohol use, viral hepatitis, or increased transferrin Saturation 4568 participants with NAFLD were included in the analysis. In a Cox model adjusted for age, sex, and smoking history, drinking 0.5-1.5 drinks per day decreased the risk of overall mortality by 41% (HR=0.59, 95%CI 0.40-0.85, p value=0.005) compared to not drinking. Drinking > 1.5 drinks per day showed a trend towards harm (HR=1.16, 95% CI 0.99-1.36, p value=0.119). After further adjustment for race, physical activity, educational level, diabetes, and fiber and polyunsaturated fatty acid intake, drinking 0.5-1.5 drinks per day continued to show a significant protective effect (HR=0.64, 95% CI 0.42-0.97, p value=0.035), and drinking > 1.5 drinks per day showed a significant harmful effect on mortality (HR=1.45, 95% CI 1.01-2.10, p value=0.047). Among patients with NAFLD modest alcohol consumption is associated with a significant decrease in all-cause mortality, while drinking >1.5 drinks per day is associated with an increase in mortality. These results help to inform the discussion of potential risks and benefits of alcohol use in patients with NAFLD. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.