Short summary

Clinical data from 698 patients were used to calculate the BABS score, which is based on bilirubin and albumin levels and beta-blocker and statin use. The BABS score stratifies patients into low, intermediate, and high-risk groups. HE, death, and liver transplantations were registered during five years of follow-up. The HE incidence rate was calculated, and the prognostic ability of BABS was assessed.

Rationale

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a frequent complication of liver cirrhosis and a common reason for hospital admission and readmission. There are no available risk scores to predict the development of overt HE (OHE). The Bilirubin-Albumin-Beta-Blocker-Statin (BABS) score has been proposed as a risk stratification tool and validated in a US population. This study aimed to calculate the incidence rates of HE and validate the BABS score in a Danish and German cohort.

Description of the cohort

698 patients with cirrhosis from Germany (n=398 included 2017-2022) and Denmark (n=276 included 2013-2021) were used to calculate the BABS score.

Data and biological material

Biochemical data, demographics, and medication.

Collaborating researchers and departments

Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany

• Christian Labenz
• Simon J. Gairing