Main drivers of outcome differ between short term and long term in severe alcoholic hepatitis: A prospective study

Understanding the mechanisms of outcome according to the time frame can help optimize the therapeutic development in severe alcoholic hepatitis. We assessed short‐term and long‐term survival in severe alcoholic hepatitis based on baseline disease severity, extent of therapeutic improvement, long‐term influence of alcohol relapse, and their interaction. Data and alcohol consumption were prospectively recorded in 398 patients treated with corticosteroids in the short term (from corticosteroid initiation to 6 months) and long term (from 6 months to maximum follow‐up time). Cumulative incidence rate of first alcohol relapse was 25.2%, 33.7%, and 35.2% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. Alcohol relapse (≥30 g/day) was not associated with mortality (P = 0.24) during the short‐term period (1,606 patient‐months at risk), but the Lille (P