The Relationship between the Albumin-Bilirubin Ratio and Frailty in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

https://doi.org/10.56741/IISTR.jphs.001311

Authors

Keywords:

ALBI Score, Albumin, Bilirubin, Frailty, Liver Cirrhosis Patients

Abstract

Patients with liver cirrhosis are at risk of impaired liver function, characterized by disturbances in albumin synthesis and bilirubin secretion. The Albumin-Bilirubin (ALBI) score has been reported to be associated with the prognosis of liver cirrhosis patients. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the ALBI score and frailty in patients with liver cirrhosis. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Dr. Moewardi General Hospital from May to September 2024. A total of 68 patients with liver cirrhosis were included. The dependent variable was frailty, while the independent variable was the ALBI score. Data were collected via a questionnaire and laboratory results, and analyzed using logistic regression. This study found a significant association between a higher ALBI score and frailty in patients with liver cirrhosis. After correcting for data entry errors, the re-analyzed data showed a significant association. A one-unit increase in the ALBI score was associated with a significant increase in the odds of frailty (OR = 13.32; 95% CI = 1.31 to 135.48; p = 0.029). These findings suggest a significant relationship between the ALBI score and frailty in patients with liver cirrhosis, indicating that patients with more severe liver dysfunction (reflected by a higher ALBI score) are more likely to be frail.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

Triyanta Yuli Pramana, Universitas Sebelas Maret

is a medical professional and researcher affiliated with the Gastroenterohepatology Division of Internal Medicine at Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia. His academic interests focus on gastroenterology, hepatology, internal medicine, and clinical research development. He has actively contributed to scientific publications and interdisciplinary healthcare studies. In addition to academic activities, he is involved in medical education and collaborative research initiatives aimed at improving healthcare quality and evidence-based clinical practice in Indonesia. (email: typramana@gmail.com).

Alwidya Rosyid Akhmad Permana, Universitas Sebelas Maret

is affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia, specializing in Internal Medicine. His academic and professional interests include clinical medicine, patient-centered healthcare, and medical research. He has participated in various collaborative studies related to disease management and healthcare innovation. Through his involvement in academic and clinical settings, he contributes to advancing medical knowledge and supports integrating evidence-based approaches into healthcare services and medical education. (email: alwidyarosyid@gmail.com).

Fatichati Budiningsih, Universitas Sebelas Maret

is a lecturer and researcher in the Geriatric Division of Internal Medicine at Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia. Her expertise centers on geriatric medicine, elderly healthcare management, and chronic disease prevention among aging populations. She has been actively engaged in academic research, community health programs, and interdisciplinary collaborations addressing elderly wellbeing. Her scholarly contributions emphasize improving the quality of life for older adults through comprehensive healthcare approaches, preventive strategies, and evidence-based geriatric medical services in Indonesia. (email: fbudiningsih1972@gmail.com).

Hanung Prasetya, Politeknik Kesehatan Kementrian Kesehatan Surakarta

is affiliated with the Study Program in Acupuncture at Politeknik Kesehatan Kementrian Kesehatan Surakarta, Surakarta, Indonesia. His academic interests include acupuncture therapy, complementary medicine, public health, and integrative healthcare practices. He has contributed to research and educational activities related to alternative and traditional medical approaches. Through academic collaboration and professional engagement, he supports the development of evidence-based complementary medicine and promotes innovative healthcare practices within Indonesia’s medical and health education sectors. (email: hanungprasetya168@gmail.com).

References

S. S. Qadri, D. Javaid, A. Reyaz, S. Y. Ganie, and M. S. Reshi, “Liver disorders and phytotherapy,” Toxicol. Reports, vol. 14, no. December 2024, p. 102047, 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2025.102047. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxrep.2025.102047

E. Ramos-Tovar and P. Muriel, “Molecular mechanisms that link oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis in the liver,” Antioxidants, vol. 9, no. 12, pp. 1–21, 2020, doi: 10.3390/antiox9121279. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9121279

Y. Kong, Z. Chen, Z. Nie, and W. Chen, “Targeting endoplasmic reticulum proteostasis in liver fibrosis: From signaling mechanisms to therapeutic opportunities,” Pharmacol. Res., vol. 217, no. April, p. 107823, 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2025.107823. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2025.107823

S. Liu and X. Yang, “Intestinal flora plays a role in the progression of hepatitis-cirrhosis-liver cancer,” Front Cell Infect Microbiol, vol. 13, no. 1140126, 2023, doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1140126. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2023.1140126

H. Sung, J. Ferlay, R. L. Siegel, M. Laversanne, I. Soerjomataram, and A. Jemal, “Global cancer statistics 2020: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries,” CA Cancer J. Clin, vol. 71, no. 3, pp. 209–249, 2021, doi: 10.3322/caac. 21660. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21660

A. Tsoris and C. A. Marlar, “Use of the Child-Pugh score in liver disease,” 2013.

P. J. Johnson et al., “Assessment of liver function in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a new evidence-based approach-the ALBI grade,” J Clin Oncol, vol. 33, no. 6, pp. 550–8, 2015, doi: 10.1200/JCO.2014.57.9151. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2014.57.9151

H. Navadurong et al., “Validation of the albumin-bilirubin score for identifying decompensation risk in patients with compensated cirrhosis,” World J Gastroenterol, vol. 29, no. 32, pp. 4873–4882, 2023, doi: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i32.4873. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v29.i32.4873

A. Hiraoka et al., “Validation and potential of albumin-bilirubin grade and prognostication in a nationwide survey of 46,681 hepatocellular carcinoma patients in Japan: the need for a more detailed evaluation of hepatic function,” Liver Cancer, vol. 6, no. 4, pp. 325–336, 2017, doi: 10.1159/000479984. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1159/000479984

M. Guan et al., “Albumin-bilirubin grade as an alternative to Child–Pugh class for evaluating liver function within staging systems for hepatocellular carcinoma,” Discov Onc, vol. 16, p. 394, 2025, doi: 10.1007/s12672-025-02187-x. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12672-025-02187-x

Y. Liu, S. Wu, S. Cai, and B. Xie, “The prognostic evaluation of ALBI score in endoscopic treatment of esophagogastric varices hemorrhage in liver cirrhosis,” Sci Rep, vol. 14, p. 780, 2024, doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-50629-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-50629-9

I. Syabanasyah, E. Rachmawati, and B. Hartono, “The Influence of Transformational Leadership on Patient Safety Efforts,” J. Ilmu dan Teknol. Kesehat., vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 150–161, 2023, doi: 10.32668/jitek.v10i2.1008. DOI: https://doi.org/10.32668/jitek.v10i2.1008

M. Aibangbee et al., “Barriers to sexual and reproductive health and rights of migrant and refugee youth: An exploratory socio-ecological qualitative analysis,” medRxiv, vol. 4, pp. 1538–1566, 2024, doi: https:// doi.org/10.3390/youth4040099 Academic. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.05.03.24306643

J. Wang et al., “Predictive role of the Albumin-Bilirubin score in ICU patients with cirrhosis and sepsis: insights from a large retrospective cohort,” BMC Gastroenterol., vol. 25, no. 1, 2025, doi: 10.1186/s12876-025-04111-7. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12876-025-04111-7

B. B. Shah, M. L. Thomas, M. J. McCarthy, and A. D. Meruelo, “Body mass index mediates the relationship between depression and triglyceride levels: Evidence from a large national cohort,” J. Affect. Disord., vol. 390, no. May, p. 119889, 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2025.119889. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2025.119889

L. P. Fried et al., “Cardiovascular health study collaborative research group. Frailty in older adults: evidence for a phenotype,” J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci, vol. 56, no. 3, 2001, doi: 10.1093/gerona/56.3.m146. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/56.3.M146

J. C. Lai et al., “Frailty in liver transplantation: An expert opinion statement from the American Society of Transplantation Liver and Intestinal Community of Practice,” Am J Transpl., vol. 19, no. 7, pp. 1896–1906, 2017, doi: 10.1111/ajt.15392. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ajt.15392

P. Tandon et al., “A practical approach to nutritional screening and assessment in cirrhosis,” Hepatol. Commun., vol. 5, no. 5, pp. 916–926, 2017, doi: 10.1002/hep4.1695. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/hep4.1695

X. Song, W. Xu, Y. Chen, and X. Qi, “An excerpt of malnutrition, frailty, and sarcopenia in patients with cirrhosis: 2021 practice guidance by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases,” J. Clin. Hepatol., vol. 37, no. 12, pp. 2787–2789, 2021, doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2021.12.011.

M. Merli et al., “Muscle depletion increases the risk of overt and minimal hepatic encephalopathy: results of a prospective study,” Metab Brain Dis, vol. 28, no. 2, pp. 281–4, 2013, doi: 10.1007/s11011-012-9365-z. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11011-012-9365-z

N. Izumi, Y. Osaki, T. Yamashita, S. Iwane, and M. Okada, “Evaluation of nutritional and frailty status using ALBI score in patients with liver cirrhosis,” Hepatol. Res., vol. 50, no. 6, pp. 750–758, 2020, doi: 10.1111/hepr.13499. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/hepr.13499

A. Clegg, J. Young, S. Iliffe, M. O. Rikkert, and K. Rockwood, “Frailty in elderly people,” Lancet, vol. 381, no. 9868, pp. 752–62, 2013, doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(12)62167-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(12)62167-9

E. J. Carey et al., “Fitness, Life Enhancement, and Exercise in Liver Transplantation Consortium. A multicenter study to define sarcopenia in patients with end-stage liver disease,” Liver Transpl, vol. 23, no. 5, pp. 625–633, 2017, doi: 10.1002/lt.24750. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/lt.24750

E. B. Tapper, J. Baki, N. D. Parikh, and A. S. Lok, “Frailty, Psychoactive Medications, and Cognitive Dysfunction Are Associated With Poor Patient-Reported Outcomes in Cirrhosis,” Hepatology, vol. 69, no. 4, pp. 1676–1685, 2019, doi: 10.1002/hep.30336. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/hep.30336

Published

2026-05-22

How to Cite

Pramana, T. Y., Permana, A. R. A., Budiningsih, F., & Prasetya, H. (2026). The Relationship between the Albumin-Bilirubin Ratio and Frailty in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis. Journal of Public Health Sciences, 5(02), 260–268. https://doi.org/10.56741/IISTR.jphs.001311

Plaudit