Alcohol consumption as a risk factor for anti-tuberculosis drug induced liver injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major infectious disease in the world, and liver injury caused by anti-tuberculosis (ATTB) drugs is an important reason for reduced patient compliance with ATTB treatment. At present, there is controversy over the role of alcohol consumption in ATTB drugs induced liver injury (ATDILI).

Methods: All data on alcohol consumption and ATDILI were collected from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase databases from inception to April 2023. Odds ratio (OR) and 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) were used for statistical analysis, and Begg test and Egger test were used to evaluate publication bias.

Results: A total of 1152 literatures were reviewed, and 53 literatures were included for systematic review and meta-analysis. Studies have found that alcohol consumption increases the risk of ATDILI (OR: 1.55; 95 % CI: 1.19-2.04). And an increased risk of ATDILI was found in both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic subgroups. The Begg test and Egger test showed no publication bias.

Conclusion: Alcohol consumption is a risk factor for ATDILI in TB patients on treatment. While on ATTB treatment, patients need to reduce alcohol consumption. More research is needed to assess the link between alcohol consumption and ATDILI.