S2432 A Retrospective Pilot Study of Liver-Related Mortality in Elderly Patients With Comorbid Dementia

Introduction: Liver disease is a common, morbid condition that causes over 2 million deaths annually that is continually rising due to increasing rates of metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in developed countries and high prevalence of viral hepatitis in developing countries. High power prospective studies have shown an associated between MASH and cognitive dementia, which is becoming increasing relevant given the aging population. In fact, the growing population of seniors is also accompanied with increasing rates of dementia, up to 13.9%. We aim to investigate the association between liver disease-related deaths and dementia in the geriatric population, specifically >65 years old. Methods: A retrospective analysis utilizing CDC WONDER public database was conducted ranging from 2000-2020. Proportion of liver deaths with comorbid dementia were calculated in the elderly. We included patients 65 and older in our study and trends were assessed using Microsoft Excel. Data were stratified by year, sex, race, and regions as defined by the Health and Human Services Department (HHS). Results: From 2000 to 2020, 9,628 deaths were caused by liver disease with comorbid dementia listed as an additional cause of death, representing 2.4% of all liver disease-related mortality over that time span. Dementia is reported as an additional cause in 58.33% of liver disease-related deaths in women in comparison to 41.67% in men. The percentage of liver disease-related deaths with dementia as an additional cause differed by race, with Hispanics (2.12% ± 0.48%) having significantly less comorbidity than Whites (2.44% ± 0.27%, P = 0.012) and African Americans (2.54% ± 0.46%, P = 0.007). Liver deaths with dementia as an additional cause were lowest in HHS Region 1 - NY, NJ (1.95%) and HHS Region 2 - AZ, CA, HI, NV (2.07%) and highest in HHS Region 10 - AK, ID, OR, WA (2.93%). Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first pilot study to explore the contribution of dementia in liver disease-related mortality. We believe it will offer valuable insights for medical professionals and public health officials, contributing to a deeper understanding and more informed clinical decision-making.