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Alcohol consumption patterns and predictors of use following liver transplantation for alcoholic liver disease

  1. Andrea DiMartini1,†,*,
  2. Nancy Day1,
  3. Mary Amanda Dew1,
  4. Lubna Javed1,
  5. Mary Grace Fitzgerald1,
  6. Ashok Jain2,
  7. John J. Fung2,
  8. Paulo Fontes2

Article first published online: 9 MAR 2006

DOI: 10.1002/lt.20688

Issue

Liver Transplantation

Liver Transplantation

Volume 12, Issue 5, pages 813–820, May 2006

Additional Information

How to Cite

DiMartini, A., Day, N., Dew, M. A., Javed, L., Fitzgerald, M. G., Jain, A., Fung, J. J. and Fontes, P. (2006), Alcohol consumption patterns and predictors of use following liver transplantation for alcoholic liver disease. Liver Transpl, 12: 813–820. doi: 10.1002/lt.20688

Author Information

  1. 1

    Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Starzl Transplant Institute, Pittsburgh, PA

  2. 2

    Department of Transplantation Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Starzl Transplant Institute, Pittsburgh, PA

  1. †

    Telephone: (412) 383-3166; FAX: (412) 383-4846

*Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinics, 3811 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

  1. †

    Telephone: (412) 383-3166; FAX: (412) 383-4846

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 20 APR 2006
  2. Article first published online: 9 MAR 2006
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 29 NOV 2005
  4. Manuscript Received: 4 AUG 2005

Funded by

  • National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Grant Number: K23 AA0257
  • National Institute of Digestive Disorders and Kidney Diseases Rockville, MD, USA. Grant Number: R01 DK066266

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Abstract

For patients who receive a liver transplant (LTX) for alcoholic liver disease (ALD), investigators are focusing beyond survival to determine specific alcohol use outcomes. Studies suggest the use of alcohol ranges from 8 to 22% for the first post-transplant year with cumulative rates reaching 30 to 40% by 5 years following transplantation. Yet while investigators are interested in determining specific rates of alcohol use and predictors of use, only three studies since 1990 have been prospective. In 1998, we began a prospective study of post-LTX alcohol consumption in ALD recipients using multiple repeated measures of alcohol use. After 5 years of follow-up, we found that 22% had used any alcohol by the first year and 42% had a drink by 5 years. By 5 years, 26% drank at a heavier use (binge) pattern and 20% drank in a frequent pattern. In a univariate model, predictors of alcohol use included pre-transplant length of sobriety, a diagnosis of alcohol dependence, a history of other substance use, and prior alcohol rehabilitation. Liver Transpl 12:813–820, 2006. © 2006 AASLD.

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