Our EVBL-induced ulcer bleeding rate was low, but associated with significant mortality. Highest rates were observed following EVBL for acute variceal haemorrhage, for which EVBL is unavoidable. The incidence was lower following prophylactic EVBL, with the MELD score being the predominant risk factor. Reflux oesophagitis requires further investigation as a potentially modifiable risk factor for EVBL-induced ulcer bleeding.

Low testosterone and sarcopenia are both associated with increased mortality in men with advanced liver disease and may identify patients at high risk of mortality that would be missed by the MELD score alone. Low testosterone appears to be a better predictor of mortality than sarcopenia and is a simpler test to improve the prognostic value of the MELD score. Interventional trials are required to determine whether low testosterone and sarcopenia are markers or mediators of mortality in this population.

Introduction Reduced muscle area on CT scan is an independent predictor of mortality in cirrhosis. We examine for the first time the relationship between dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) lean mass parameters on outcomes in cirrhotic men awaiting liver transplantation. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed DEXA scans performed during transplant assessment between 2001 and 2016. Baseline data including the presence of ascites and MELD score were recorded. DEXA lean mass measures were adjusted for height. The primary outcome was 12‐month wait‐list mortality. Results Four hundred twenty men with median age 55.4 years [interquartile range 49.2; 59.4] and MELD 16 [12; 20] were studied. Median follow‐up was 58.5 [28.8; 109] months. 12‐month wait‐list mortality was 12.4%. Appendicular lean mass was inversely associated with mortality (HR 0.78 [0.62; 0.98], P = 0.03). Lean mass of arms (HR 0.37 [0.16; 0.83], P  = 0.02) rather than legs (HR 0.77 [0.58; 1.03], P  = 0.08) was responsible for this association. Upper limb lean mass showed a significant interaction with MELD score in predicting wait‐list mortality, particularly within 4 months. Total lean mass was not associated with mortality but increased in conjunction with increasing ascites (OR for ascites 1.20 [1.15; 1.25], P < 0.001 for each unit increase in MELD). Conclusion Upper limb lean mass by DEXA is strongly associated with mortality in men awaiting liver transplantation. The superiority of upper limb lean mass probably relates to confounding of lower limb measures by fluid retention. This DEXA parameter represents a novel and reproducible measure of sarcopenia in cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND Acute liver failure (ALF) is a life-threatening syndrome with varying aetiologies requiring complex care and multidisciplinary management. Its changing incidence, aetiology and outcomes over the last 16 years in the Australian context remain uncertain. AIM To describe the changing incidence, aetiology and outcomes of ALF in South Eastern Australia. METHODS The database of the Victorian Liver Transplant Unit was interrogated to identify all cases of ALF in adults (> 16 years) in adults hospitalised between January 2002 and December 2017. Overall, 169 patients meeting criteria for ALF were identified. Demographics, aetiology of ALF, rates of transplantation and outcomes were collected for all patients. Transplant free survival and overall survival (OS) were assessed based on survival to discharge from hospital. Results were compared to data from a historical cohort from the same unit from 1988-2001. RESULTS Paracetamol was the most common aetiology of acute liver failure, accounting for 50% of cases, with an increased incidence compared with the historical cohort ( P = 0.046). Viral hepatitis and non-paracetamol drug or toxin induced liver injury accounted for 15% and 10% of cases respectively. Transplant free survival (TFS) improved significantly compared to the historical cohort (52% vs 38%, P = 0.032). TFS was highest in paracetamol toxicity with spontaneous recovery in 72% of cases compared to 31% of non-paracetamol ALF ( P < 0.001). Fifty-nine patients were waitlisted for emergency liver transplantation. Nine of these died while waiting for an organ to become available. Forty-two patients (25%) underwent emergency liver transplantation with a 1, 3 and 5 year survival of 81%, 78% and 72% respectively. CONCLUSION Paracetamol toxicity is the most common aetiology of ALF in South-Eastern Australia with a rising incidence over 30 years. TFS has improved, however it remains low in non-paracetamol ALF.