The Association Between Alcoholic Liver Disease and Alcohol Tax

Abstract

Background The incidence of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) has increased, causing it to become a primary indication for liver transplantation in the United States. We hypothesized an association between alcohol taxation and prevalence of ALD. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of united network for organ sharing (UNOS) waitlist additions for liver transplantation between January 2007 and December 2016. We also analyzed the average excise tax (2007-2016) for beer, wine, and spirits in listing states of liver transplant waitlist additions (LTWA). Results There were 104 805 adult UNOS LTWA with assigned diagnoses, an annual increase from 22% to 28%. There were 24 316 LTWA with ALD diagnosis. The mean value for beer tax was significantly lower for ALD patients than for non-ALD patients across all age groups ( P < .001). The analysis demonstrated significantly more ALD in waitlisted patients 35-54 years of age (30%), compared with 18-34 years (10%) and ≥55 years (20%), P < .001. The data confirmed significantly more ALD Medicaid patients in the 35-54 year age group (28%) compared with other age groups, P < .001. Discussion Our research demonstrated an association between lower beer tax and higher ALD prevalence across all age groups. We found a larger percentage of middle-aged (35-54 years) Medicaid patients listed with ALD. These findings raise the need for further investigation of a potential public health concern for an association between ALD and beer tax, especially for middle-aged patients of lower socioeconomic status.

Covid-19 and alcohol associated liver disease

“…Rush and colleagues reported almost a doubling of the prevalence of cirrhosis in Michigan as the relative alcohol price declined over the course of three decades [85] . More recent studies have confirmed these relationships, though with conflicting data on which specific type of alcohol (beer, wine, spirits) may be more impactful [86 , 87] . Palatability for alcohol taxes is an area of concern, as they are often not supported by the public, however public support does increase when revenues are specifically directed toward prevention and treatment programs [88] .…”

“…Higher taxation on alcohol has been associated with reduce alcohol consumption and lower ALD [84] , [85] , [86] , [87] …”

Seabuckthorn polysaccharide combined with astragalus polysaccharide ameliorate alcoholic fatty liver by regulating intestinal flora

“…With the development of economy and the living standard, the culture of drinking is prevalent, and excessive drinking is increasingly the norm for many people ( 1 ). According to the World Health Organization, more than 3 million alcohol-related deaths occur globally each year, accounting for 5.3% of all deaths ( 2 ).…”