Liver Cirrhosis among Young Adults Admitted to the Department of Gastroenterology in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: Cirrhosis in young adults is an important health problem worldwide and is a common disease. Patients usually present late in a decompensated state with varied complications. However, national data on the exact burden of the disease is lacking. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of liver cirrhosis among young adults admitted to the Department of Gastroenterology in a tertiary care centre. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done among patients admitted to the Department of Gastroenterology in a tertiary care centre between 25 November 2021 to 30 November 2022 after receiving ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee [Reference number: 227(6-11) E2-078/079]. Convenience sampling was done. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. RESULTS: Among 989 patients, liver cirrhosis in young adults was seen in 200 (20.22%) (18.12-22.32, 95% Confidence Interval). Chronic alcohol use was the primary cause of cirrhosis seen in 164 (82%) cases. The most typical presenting symptom was abdominal distension seen in 187 (93.50%) patients. The most frequent complication was ascites seen in 184 (92%) patients. The most frequent endoscopic finding was gastro-oesophagal varices seen in 180 (90%) patients. There were 145 (72.50%) men and 55 (27.50%) women. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of liver cirrhosis in young adults was found to be lower than the other studies done in similar settings.