A study described the changes in survival in alcoholic hepatitis (AH) over time by examining randomized controlled trials (RCT) and observational studies (OS) in alcoholic hepatitis.

The following observations were made-

• 77 studies comprising of 8,184 patients were included for analysis. 
• Overall mortality from AH was found to be 26%, 29% and 44% at 28 days, 90 days and 180 days, respectively, after admission. 
• Univariable analysis at 28 days or 90 days after admission demonstrated no changes in mortality over time.
• 180-day mortality showed a small but significant increase in mortality. 
• Meta-regression to adjust for other factors associated with mortality at each time point showed no changes in mortality.
• Sub-group analysis in different study types, or considering biopsy-proven or severe diseases, did not show any changes in mortality over time.

Thus no improvement in mortality from AH has been seen and is not explained by changes in the severity of the disease. Thus an effective treatment for alcoholic hepatitis is urgently needed.

SOURCE- Hughes E, Hopkins LJ, Parker R. Survival from alcoholic hepatitis has not improved over time. PLoS ONE, 2018;13(2): e0192393. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0192393