Over-the-counter analgesics in cirrhotic patients: a case-control study examining the risk of hospitalization for liver-associated events.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the association between over-the-counter analgesic (OTCA) use and hospitalization for liver-associated events in cirrhotic patients.


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).


CONCLUSIONS
Our data suggest that non-excessive OTCA use is not significantly associated with hospitalization for liver-associated events.
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Jonathan M
JM
Fenkel
Roger N
RN
Coron
Constantine
C
Daskalakis
Maricruz
M
Vega
Simona
S
Rossi
Steven K
SK
Herrine
Victor J
VJ
Navarro
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000700:Analgesics / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects*; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000700:Analgesics; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs