Identifying Risk Factors for Secondary Sclerosing Cholangitis in Critically Ill Patients: A Retrospective Analysis of ICU-Associated Variables

Background: Secondary sclerosing cholangitis (SSC) is a serious complication that affects critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICU), often resulting in progressive biliary strictures and liver cirrhosis. Recently, SSC has been recognized as a distinct clinical entity, particularly in patients with prolonged ICU stays.

Materials and Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 2,910 patients treated in the surgical ICU at University Hospital Regensburg for at least five days between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2021. Data were extracted from the hospital’s SAP system and included demographic information (age, sex), laboratory results, medications, treatments, and complications encountered during hospitalization. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS to identify risk factors for SSC development.

Results: The analysis revealed a significant association between SSC and various clinical parameters, including patient age, sex, abnormal laboratory values, specific medications, and treatment interventions. Complications encountered during the hospital stay, such as infections or mechanical ventilation, were also linked to an increased risk of developing SSC.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that multiple ICU-related factors contribute to the development and progression of SSC in critically ill patients. Identifying specific risk factors, including demographic and clinical parameters, could improve early detection and intervention strategies, ultimately reducing the burden of SSC in critically ill populations.

Publication History

Article published online:
20 January 2025