Histologic parameter score does not predict short‐term survival in severe alcoholic hepatitis

Background and aim The alcoholic hepatitis histologic score has been proposed as a new prognostic tool to assess the risk of death in alcoholic hepatitis. We aimed to evaluate its prognostic value in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis. Methods Liver biopsies were analysed independently by two pathologists according to the alcoholic hepatitis histologic score. The Laennec staging system was also used to evaluate fibrosis. Results One hundred and seven patients were included, and 89% of the patients received corticosteroids. The alcoholic hepatitis histologic score was available in 105 patients. Histologic scoring showed mild, moderate and severe scores in 10, 29 and 66 patients, respectively. Laennec staging was available for 53 patients, among whom 49 had cirrhosis, including 7 with Laennec 4A, 15 with 4B and 27 with 4C. Survival rates in mild, moderate and severe alcoholic hepatitis histologic score groups were 90%, 72% and 69% at 28 days ( p  = 0.6), 80%, 52% and 63% at 3 months ( p  = 0.3), and 70%, 41% and 58% at 6 months ( p  = 0.3), respectively. Within the alcoholic hepatitis histologic score, fibrosis demonstrated the best interobserver reproducibility (agreement = 100%, Κ = 1.00). Compared to patients with Laennec 4B or 4C cirrhosis, survival rates for patients without cirrhosis or with Laennec 4A cirrhosis were 100% vs 83% at 28 days ( p  = 0.16), 91% vs 68% at 3 months ( p  = 0.13), and 82% vs 64% at 6 months ( p  = 0.2), respectively. In multivariate analysis adjusted for age and for model for end‐stage liver disease score, the alcoholic hepatitis histologic score and Laennec stage were not associated with 6‐month mortality. Conclusions The alcoholic hepatitis histologic score is not predictive of short‐term survival in this cohort of patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis.