C. Saji*, Z. Azhar, R. Karamatic and G. Mahy
Background: COVID-19 shook the foundations of society, with governments taking swift and strict actions to limit social interactions. This unpredictable and volatile landscape led to a sharp increase in alcohol use and binge drinking, posing the question, what effect did COVID have on decompensated alcoholic liver Cirrhosis, specifically in a Townsville context?
Method: This project was designed as a clinical audit that investigated the trends in rates of presentation of alcohol associated decompensated liver disease before (March 2019-March 2020), early (March 2020-March 2021) and in the endemic (March 2021-March 2022) COVID phases in Townsville University Hospital (TUH). In particular, data pertaining to Child-Pugh and MELD scores, along with precipitants of decompensation, length of stay and clinical complications were noted.
Results: Over 1800 iEMR entries were analyzed, of which 262 presentations met inclusion criteria. Indigenous populations contributed to 29% of presentations. Alarmingly, the total number of presentations increased on a yearly basis, with majority of those being Child-Pugh C in severity.
Conclusion: The threat of another pandemic is a real and present concern. The findings of our study emphasize concerns surrounding rising alcohol related decompensation, particularly amongst the Indigenous population within the Townsville university hospital catchment. Thus, highlighting the need for better delivery of care and prevention programs. Given the significant rise in cases during the pandemic period, additional funding should be directed towards public health and hospital based initiatives to mitigate the long-term effects of COVID restrictions on those with alcoholic liver disease.
Published Date: 2024-07-29; Received Date: 2023-11-23
