Validation of a hierarchical algorithm to define chronic liver disease and cirrhosis etiology in administrative healthcare data

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229218
• Publication Date: 2020-02-18T13:31:18Z
• Authors: George Philip; Maya Djerboua; David Carlone; Jennifer A. Flemming
• Keywords: Etiology; Liver disease; Diagnosis code; Chronic liver disease; Hepatitis B

Chronic liver disease (CLD) and cirrhosis are leading causes of death globally with the burden rising significantly over past several decades. Defining etiology is important for understanding epidemiology, healthcare planning, outcomes. The aim this study was to validate a hierarchical algorithm CLD in administrative data.Consecutive patients or attending an outpatient hepatology clinic Ontario, Canada from 05/01/2013-08/31/2013 underwent detailed chart abstraction. Gold standard determined by hepatologist as hepatitis C (HCV), B (HBV), alcohol-related, non-alcoholic fatty (NAFLD)/cryptogenic, autoimmune hemochromatosis. Individual data linked routinely collected at ICES. Diagnostic accuracy incorporating both laboratory codes define evaluated calculating sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) negative predictive values (NPV), kappa's agreement.442 individuals abstraction (median age 53 years, 53% cirrhosis, 45% HCV, 26% NAFLD, 10% alcohol-related). In had adequate sensitivity/PPV (>75%) excellent specificity/NPV (>90%) all etiologies. those without etiologies except hemochromatosis diseases.A coding can accurately data. These results should facilitate health services research growing patient population.