The utility of liver function tests for mortality prediction within one year in primary care using the algorithm for liver function investigations (ALFI).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although liver function tests (LFTs) are routinely measured in primary care, raised levels in patients with no obvious liver disease may trigger a range of subsequent expensive and unnecessary management plans. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a prediction model to guide decision-making by general practitioners, which estimates risk of one year all-cause mortality in patients with no obvious liver disease.

Methods

In this population-based historical cohort study, biochemistry data from patients in Tayside, Scotland, with LFTs performed in primary care were record-linked to secondary care and prescription databases to ascertain baseline characteristics, and to mortality data. Using this derivation cohort a survival model was developed to predict mo

SUBMITTER: McLernon DJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3522690 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature