Folic acid supplementation is associated with a decreased mortality and reduced hospital readmission in patients with decompensated alcohol-related liver cirrhosis

Abstract

Background and aims: Thiamine and folic acid malnutrition is highly frequent in patients with decompensated alcohol-related liver cirrhosis (aLC). Current guidelines therefore recommend vitamin supplementation in these patients. However, implementation and its impact on the clinical outcome remains unknown. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the use of thiamine and folic acid and their effects on mortality and morbidity in patients with decompensated aLC.

Methods: A number of 289 consecutive patients with decompensated aLC who received a paracentesis at Hannover Medical School between 2011 and 2023 were retrospectively investigated. The use of folic acid and thiamine-containing supplements was assessed in the discharge medication. Patients were followed for up to one year regarding liver transplant (LTx)-free survival and the incidence of hepatic encephalopathy, infections and hepatic decompensation requiring rehospitalization.

Results: Median baseline MELD was 15, median age 56.6 years. 73.0% (n = 211) were male patients. At hospital discharge, thiamine-containing supplements and folic acid were prescribed to 48.1% (n = 139) and 18.0% (n = 52) patients, respectively. Neither thiamine nor folic acid prescription were linked to improved clinical outcomes within 90 days. However, folic acid intake was associated with a higher one-year LTx-free survival (HR = 0.48; p = 0.04) in the multivariable analysis. Furthermore, folic acid substitution was linked to a decreased risk of rehospitalization within one year (HR = 0.55; p = 0.01) in the multivariable competing risk model. In contrast, thiamine prescription did neither affect LTx-free survival nor the here investigated liver-related complications.

Conclusion: Folic acid, but not thiamine substitution was linked to an improved outcome in patients with decompensated aLC.

Keywords: Alcohol-related liver cirrhosis; Folic acid; Malnutrition; Micronutrients; Thiamine.