FREQUENCY OF PATTERN OF ADMISSIONS IN PATIENTS WITH DECOMPENSATED LIVER DISEASE

Abstract

Background: Decompensated liver disease is a critical stage of chronic liver disease, characterized by complications such as ascites, variceal bleeding, and hepatic encephalopathy. Understanding these patients' admission patterns can help optimize management strategies and improve clinical outcomes. Objective: To determine the frequency of admission patterns in patients with decompensated liver disease. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Hospital-based study. Duration of Study: August 11, 2024 – February 11, 2025. Methods: A total of 143 patients diagnosed with decompensated liver disease were enrolled using consecutive non-probability sampling. The diagnosis was confirmed based on ultrasound findings of irregular liver margins, altered parenchymal echogenicity, and serum albumin levels <3.5 g/dL. Patients aged 18–70 years were included, while those with chronic kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension, or pregnancy/lactation were excluded. Clinical assessments were conducted under the supervision of an experienced consultant. Ascites were identified through CT imaging and symptoms of abdominal distension, variceal bleeding via endoscopic confirmation, and hepatic encephalopathy based on clinical signs such as asterixis and altered mental status. Data on demographics and admission patterns were collected using a structured proforma and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: Ascites were the most common reason for hospital admission, affecting 45.5% of patients, followed by variceal bleeding (14%) and hepatic encephalopathy (7.7%). The mean age of participants was 44.5 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 54.5% to 45.5%. Most patients belonged to middle-income socioeconomic backgrounds (55.2%), and 59.4% were uneducated. Urban residents constituted 56.6% of the cohort, while 43.4% were from rural areas. Conclusion: The study highlights ascites as the predominant reason for hospitalization among patients with decompensated liver disease, followed by variceal bleeding and hepatic encephalopathy. These findings emphasize the need for early intervention strategies, improved outpatient management, and targeted healthcare policies to reduce hospital admissions and improve patient outcomes.