The Amplified Peril: How Excessive Alcohol Consumption Escalates the Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients

Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) affects over ۲۵۰ million individuals globally, posing a significant public health threat. This persistent viral infection can lead to severe liver diseases, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) - the most prevalent primary liver cancer and a major cause of cancer-related deaths. While multiple factors contribute to CHB progression to HCC, excessive alcohol consumption stands out as a significant, modifiable risk factor. Alcohol, a known hepatotoxin, worsens liver damage, potentially accelerating liver disease development. This study investigates the impact of excessive alcohol consumption on HCC risk in CHB patients, aiming to inform interventions that could reduce HCC incidence in this vulnerable population. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study involved ۵۰۰ patients diagnosed with chronic Hepatitis B, who were monitored over a ۱۰-year period. The participants were selected from a tertiary care hospital's hepatology clinic and had a mean age of ۴۵.۳ years (SD = ۱۲.۵). The cohort consisted of ۳۲۰ males and ۱۸۰ females. Patients were categorized into two groups based on their alcohol consumption patterns: those with excessive alcohol intake and those with low or no alcohol intake. Excessive alcohol consumption was defined as an intake of more than ۳۰ grams per day for men and more than ۲۰ grams per day for women, according to established guidelines. Data collection involved a combination of medical records review and self-reported alcohol consumption questionnaires. The primary endpoint was the development of HCC, diagnosed through imaging studies and confirmed by histopathological examination when necessary. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare the incidence of HCC between the two groups, with significance determined at p < ۰.۰۵. Results: Over the ۱۰-year follow-up period, a total of ۱۱۲ patients developed hepatocellular carcinoma. The incidence of HCC was markedly higher in the excessive alcohol consumption group. Specifically, ۷۸ out of ۲۵۰ patients (۳۱.۲%) with excessive alcohol intake developed HCC, compared to ۳۴ out of ۲۵۰ patients (۱۳.۶%) in the low or no alcohol intake group. This difference was statistically significant (p < ۰.۰۰۱), indicating a strong association between excessive alcohol consumption and increased HCC risk in patients with CHB. Further analysis revealed that the mean duration of excessive alcohol consumption among those who developed HCC was ۱۵ years (SD = ۴.۲), suggesting a dose-response relationship where prolonged alcohol exposure further elevates the risk. Additionally, patients with concurrent liver cirrhosis were more prevalent in the excessive alcohol group, highlighting the compounded risk factors contributing to HCC development. Conclusion: This study reveals a crucial finding: excessive alcohol consumption significantly elevates the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic Hepatitis B. The stark difference in HCC incidence between high and low alcohol intake groups highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions. Healthcare providers should prioritize alcohol cessation programs and educate CHB patients about the dangers of excessive drinking. Addressing this modifiable risk factor can potentially lower the HCC burden in these individuals, leading to better patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs associated with liver cancer treatment.

کلیدواژه ها:

Chronic Hepatitis B ، Hepatocellular Carcinoma ، Alcohol Consumption ، Liver Disease Prevention