Liver Disease

This topic area covers statistics and information relating to liver disease in Hull including local strategic need and service provision. Further information relating to alcohol and obesity is given under Lifestyle Factors within Adults.

This page contains information from the Office for Health Improvement & Disparities’ Fingertips. Information is taken ‘live’ from the site so uses the latest available data from Fingertips and displays it on this page. As a result, some comments on this page may relate to an earlier period of time until this page is next updated (see review dates at the end of this page).

Headlines

• There are a number of different types of liver disease which can have different causes. The most common liver disease in the UK is alcohol-related liver disease which is preventable as it is caused by prolonged excessive alcohol consumption. Some of the other most common types of liver disease are also preventable as they are due to obesity or viral infections. Nine in ten of cases of liver disease could be prevented.
• The British Liver Trust state that liver disease is a silent killer that is on the increase. One in 11 people attending free liver scans on heir Love Your Liver roadshows had signs of possible liver damage, and three-quarters of people with cirrhosis are only diagnosed at crisis point when they develop life-threatening symptoms of late-stage disease. Furthermore, they state that one in four people diagnosed with alcohol-related liver disease in hospital die within 60 days.
• Hospital admissions for liver disease are significantly higher in Hull compared to England for 2022/23 with rates over 70% higher in Hull. The admission rate in Hull is also the highest in the region (by some margin). During 2022/23, there were 645 admissions in total (405 men and 240 women). The admission rates for liver disease in Hull have increased sharply in the last five years.
• The hospital admission rate for alcoholic liver disease has increased sharply among Hull men in the last five years, and alcoholic liver disease accounts for around 55% of liver disease admissions among men. The increase in hospital admissions for alcoholic liver disease among women has been smaller and alcoholic liver disease accounts for around three in ten of liver disease admissions among women.
• Hospital admissions for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease have increased by just over 30% in the last decade, and the admission rate for 2020/21-2022/23 is almost twice as high in Hull as England with 70 admissions in total over the three year period.
• The mortality rate from liver disease is statistically significantly higher in Hull compared to England for men, but there is no statistically significant difference between Hull and England for women for deaths registered during 2021-23. There were a total of 230 liver disease deaths registered over that three year period (149 men and 81 women). A total of 42 (18%) of these deaths were due to chronic liver disease, and 150 (65%) were from cirrhosis and other diseases of the liver.
• Three-quarters of the deaths from liver disease (174 out of 230) were premature occurring prior to the age of 75 years, although a higher percentage were premature for men compared to women (83% versus 63%). The premature mortality rates from liver disease from causes considered to be preventable in Hull was similar to England for women, but 37% higher for men. The majority of the premature deaths from liver disease were from causes considered to be preventable for both men (115 out of 123; 93%) and women (43 out of 51; 84%). The average age of death among those who died prematurely (under the age of 75 years) from liver disease from causes considered to be preventable was 57.3 years for men and 59.6 years for women in Hull.
• Premature mortality rates from alcoholic liver disease and from cirrhosis of the liver and other diseases of the liver have both been increasing in Hull.
• The premature mortality rate from liver disease among people who have been in contact with secondary mental health services in the five years preceding death is high in Hull (57% higher than England for deaths registered during 2021-23).

The Population Affected – Why Is It Important?

The NHS provides some useful information on liver disease as outlined below.

The liver is one of the most complex organs in the body. Its functions include filtering toxins from the blood, aiding digestion of food, regulating blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and helping fight infection and disease.

The liver is very resilient and capable of regenerating itself.

There are a number of different types of liver disease which can have different causes. The most common liver disease in the UK is alcohol-related liver disease which is preventable as it is caused by prolonged excessive alcohol consumption. Some of the other most common types of liver disease are also preventable as they are due to obesity or viral infections.

Based on the British Liver Trust, liver disease is the silent killer and it is on the increase with almost 10,000 deaths from liver disease in England in 2022. Liver disease is four times higher in the most deprived areas compared to the most affluent areas, and mortality rates from liver disease are four times higher than they were in 1970. The COVID-19 pandemic and its wider impact may have compounded the issue as there has been a 20% increase in deaths from liver disease between 2019 and 2021. Liver disease deaths are nearly twice as high among men compared to women, and half of liver disease deaths occurred among people aged 45-64 years with an additional 35% occurring among people aged 65-84 years. Almost three-quarters of people with liver disease have experienced stigma, and around three in ten feel that stigma has stopped them getting medical care. The British Liver Trust state that nine in ten of liver disease cases could be prevented. One in 11 people receiving a free liver scan on their Love Your Liver roadshow have signs of liver disease and one in four of them (2.5% of those scanned) could already have advanced levels of liver scarring. It is likely that those people at highest risk of liver disease – who know they currently or have previous drunk alcohol or excessive levels of alcohol – will want to participate in these roadshows, but this is a high percentage who are probably discovering they have liver disease for the first time. The British Liver Trust state that three-quarters of people with cirrhosis are only diagnosed at crisis point, when they develop life-threatening symptoms of late-stage disease. One in four people diagnosed with alcohol-related liver disease in hospital die within 60 days.

Alcohol-Related Liver Disease

Alcohol-related liver disease is caused by regularly drinking too much alcohol. Each time the liver filters alcohol, some of the liver cells die. Prolonged excess alcohol consumption can reduce the ability of the liver to regenerate, which can result in serious and permanent damage to the liver.

There are three main stages: a build-up of fats, hepatitis and cirrhosis. Drinking a large amount of alcohol, even for a few days, can led to a build-up of fats in the liver. It might not result in symptoms, and is reversible as if drinking alcohol stops for some time (months or years), the liver should return to normal. The next stage is alcohol hepatitis (unrelated to infectious hepatitis) which is potentially serious caused by prolonged excess alcohol. In mild cases, it is reversible if the person stops drinking permanently, but severe alcohol hepatitis is a serious and life-threatening illness. In some cases people do not realise they have alcoholic hepatitis although it can cause sudden jaundice and liver failure in some people. Cirrhosis is the final stage of alcohol-related liver disease where the liver becomes significantly scarred. Even at this stage, there may not be any obvious symptoms. It is generally not reversible, but stopping drinking alcohol immediately can prevent further damage.

Alcohol-related liver disease is common in the UK, and the number of people affected has been increasing in the last few decades.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is caused when fat builds up in the liver and can be the result of obesity. High levels of fat in the liver are also associated with an increased risk of serious health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney disease.

There are four main stages. A build-up of fat in the liver cells (simple fatty liver – steatosis) which may only be diagnosed during tests carried out for another reasons. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis which is a more serious form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease where the liver become inflamed. Fibrosis where persistent inflammation causes scar tissue around the liver and nearby blood cells, but the liver is still able to function normally. Cirrhosis is the most severe stage, occurring after years of inflammation, where the liver shrinks, and becomes scarred and lumpy. The damage is permanent and can lead to liver failure (where your live stops working properly) and liver cancer.

If detected and managed at an early stage, it is possible to stop non-alcoholic fatty liver disease from getting worse and reduce the amount of fat in the liver.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is the term used to describe inflammation of the liver. It is usually the result of a viral infection or liver damage caused by drinking alcohol. There are several different types of hepatitis. Some types will pass without serious problems, while others can be long-lasting (chronic) and cause scarring of he liver (cirrhosis), loss of liver function, and in some cases, liver cancer.

Hepatitis A is caused by the hepatitis A virus. It is usually caught by consuming contaminated food and drink (through the faeces of an infected person), and is more common in countries where sanitation is poor. Hepatitis A usually passes within a few months, although it can occasionally be severe and life threatening. Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended if the risk of infection or consequences of infection are high, or if a person is travelling to specific areas of the world.

Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus. It is usually spread in the blood of an infected person which includes infection through pregnancy to baby, through unprotected sex and injecting drugs. Hepatitis B is uncommon in the UK, and most adults can fight off the virus and fully recover in a few months. Most people infected as a child develop a long-term infection known as chronic hepatitis B. It can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Antiviral medicine can be used to treat it. Vaccination against hepatitis B is recommended for healthcare workers, people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men, children born to mothers with hepatitis B, and people travelling to parts of the world where he infection is more common. Hepatitis B vaccination is also part of the routine immunisation programme so all children benefit from protection from this virus.

Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus. It is usually spread through blood-to-blood contact with an infected person. In the UK, it is most common spread through sharing needles used to inject drugs. Poor healthcare practices and unsafe medical injections are the main ways it is spread outside the UK. It often has no noticeable symptoms or only flu-like symptoms, so many people are unaware they are infected. Some people will fight off the infection and be free of the virus. In other cases, it will stay in the body for many years (chronic hepatitis C) and can cause cirrhosis and liver failure. Chronic hepatitis C can be treated with very effective antiviral medicines, but there is currently no vaccine available.

Hepatitis D is caused by the hepatitis D virus. It only affects people who are already infected with hepatitis B, as it needs the hepatitis B virus to survive in the body. It is usually spread through blood-to-blood contact or sexual contact. It is uncommon in the UK. Long-term infection with hepatitis D and hepatitis B can increase the risk of developing serious problems such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Whilst there is no vaccine specifically for hepatitis D, he hepatitis B vaccine can help with protection from hepatitis D.

Hepatitis E is caused by the hepatitis E virus. The number of cases in Europe has increased in recent years, and it’s now the most common cause of short-term (acute) hepatitis in the UK. The virus has been mainly associated with he consumption of raw or undercooked pork meat or offal, but also other meats and shellfish. Hepatitis E is generally a mild and short-term infection that does not require any treatment, but can be serious in some people such as those with a weakened immune system. There is no vaccine, but risk of infection can be reduced by practicing good foot and water hygiene.

Alcoholic hepatitis is mentioned above and is caused by alcohol.

Autoimmune hepatitis is a rare cause of long-term hepatitis where the immune system attacks and damages the liver. Eventually, the liver can become so damaged that it stops working properly. There are effective medicines that suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation. It is not clear what causes autoimmune hepatitis.

Haemochromatosis

Haemochromatosis is an inherited condition where iron levels in the body slowly build up over many years. It can damage parts of the body such as the liver, joints, pancreas and heart. Whilst there is no cure, there are some treatments that can reduce the levels of iron in the body. If the condition is diagnosed and treated early on, haemochromatosis does not affect life expectancy and is unlikely to result in serious problems. If it is not found until it is more advanced, the high iron levels could have already caused damage to the body including scarring of the liver (cirrhosis) or liver cancer.

Primary Biliary Cholangitis

Bile is produced in the liver to help digest fats, absorb certain vitamins and remove waste products from the body. It passes out of the liver through small tubes called bile ducts. In primary biliary cholangitis, the immune system attacks the bile ducts. The bile ducts become damaged, causing bile to build up in the liver. This damages the liver and may lead to scarring (cirhosis). Primary biliary cholangitis can be treated which helps slow down liver damage, but without treatment, liver failure can occur.

The Hull Picture

There is no specific information on the prevalence of liver disease at a local authority level, and it is probably more difficult to estimate the prevalence when there are many cases of liver disease that are undiagnosed. However, information does exist on hospital admission and mortality rates and this is presented below in terms of direct standardised rates per 100,000 population (standardised to the European Standard Population).

As alcoholic liver disease represents a significant percentage of liver disease cases, further information can be found within Alcohol Consumption Among Adults under Lifestyle Factors under Adults which examines modelled hospital admissions and deaths which are due to alcohol (it will also include other hospital admissions and deaths due to alcohol such as those causing other diseases and which result from external causes such as accidents and not just those due to liver disease).

Hospital Admissions

Liver Disease

The hospital admission rate for liver disease is 76% higher in Hull compared to England (78% for males and 68% for females) for admissions during 2022/23.

The admission rate for liver disease for 2022/23 in Hull is also the highest in the region.

Between 2010/11 and 2016/17, the hospital admission rate in Hull for liver disease was comparable to England, but since then the rate has almost tripled in Hull, and the rate of increase has been at a much faster than the rate of increase for England.

There were 645 hospital admissions for liver disease among Hull residents during 2022/23.

Almost two-thirds of all the admissions for liver disease are among men, so it is not surprising that the same patterns over time has occurred for men as it did for males and females combined. Between 2010/11 and 2017/18, the hospital admission rate in Hull for liver disease was comparable to England, but since then the rate has almost tripled in Hull, and the rate of increase has been at a much faster than the rate of increase for England.

During 2022/23, there were 405 hospital admissions for liver disease among men living in Hull.

With the slightly smaller number of admissions for women, there has been slightly more variability over time, although the same general change over time occurs. Between 2010/11 and 2016/17, the hospital admission rate in Hull for liver disease was comparable to England, but since then the rate has doubled in Hull, and the rate of increase has been at a much faster than the rate of increase for England. In contrast to men, the admission rate for liver disease reduced significantly between 2019/20 and 2020/21 with a much lower number of admissions likely associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

During 2022/23, there were 240 hospital admissions for liver disease among women living in Hull.

Alcoholic Liver Disease

For alcoholic liver disease, the hospital admission rate in Hull is more than double the rate for England for 2022/23. It is almost triple the rate among men, and not quite double the rate for women. The rate is statistically significantly higher in Hull compared to England for men, but not for women.

The hospital admission rate is also highest in the region for 2022/23 for men, and among the highest for women.

Hospital admissions rates for alcoholic liver disease have increased by 58% in England between 2010/11 and 2022/23, but have increased in Hull by 312% over the same period (a four fold increase). However, there was no substantial change between 2010/11 and 2016/17 with the increase occurring between 2016/17 and 2022/23.

There were 295 hospital admissions for alcoholic liver disease for Hull residents during 2022/23 (compared to 70 in 2010/11).

For men, there was no substantial change in the admission rate between 2010/11 and 2016/17 in Hull, but a substantial increase between 2016/17 and 2022/23 with the rate in 2022/23 almost four times higher than it was for the period 2010/11 to 2016/17.

Among men, there were 225 hospital admissions for alcoholic liver disease for Hull residents during 2022/23 (compared to 50 in 2010/11).

The admission rates for alcoholic liver disease among women has almost tripled between 2010/11 and 2022/23, although with the smaller number of admissions in Hull among women, for most years, the rates have not been statistically significantly different to England.

Among women, there were 70 hospital admissions for alcoholic liver disease for Hull residents during 2022/23 (compared to 20 in 2010/11).

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

The hospital admission rate in Hull for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is almost double that of England for the three year period 2020/21 to 2022/23.

The hospital admission rate for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Hull has increased over time, and at a faster rate than the increase observed for England. In the last five years, the admission rate in Hull has been statistically significantly higher than England.

Over three year period 2020/21 to 2022/23, there were 70 hospital admission rate for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among Hull residents so around 23 per year.

Mortality

Mortality from Liver Disease (All Ages)

The mortality rate from liver disease in Hull is statistically significantly higher than England for deaths registered during the three year period 2021-23.

In the mortality rate from liver disease has doubled in Hull over the last couple of decades from 17.7 deaths per 100,000 population in 2001-03 to 33.4 per 100,000 population in 2021-23. In the last three years, the mortality rate in Hull has increased at a faster rate than the rate in England, and the rate has been statistically significantly higher for those last three years.

There were 230 deaths from liver disease among Hull residents that were registered during the three year period 2021-23 so around 77 deaths per year.

For 2021-23, around two-thirds of all the liver disease deaths in Hull were among men.

Between 2013-15 and 2020-22, the mortality rate from liver disease in Hull was higher than England, but not statistically significantly higher. However, in the last year the mortality rate in Hull has increased, and the mortality rate in Hull is statistically significantly higher in Hull compared to England.

Between 2001-03 and 2021-23, the mortality rate has increased by 54% among Hull men.

For women, the mortality rate from liver disease in Hull has generally been higher in Hull although for the majority of years, there has been no statistically significant difference between Hull and England.

Between 2001-03 and 2021-23, the mortality rate has increased by 154% among Hull women (more than doubling).

Mortality from Chronic Liver Disease (All Ages)

The mortality rate from chronic liver disease in Hull is higher than England for deaths registered during 2023, but the difference is not statistically significant.

There has been some variability in the mortality rate from chronic liver disease over time due to the small number of deaths (this indicator is not available for three year periods). The rate in Hull has generally been higher than England but for most years the difference is not been statistically significant.

There were 42 deaths from chronic liver disease among Hull residents that were registered during 2023.

Mortality from Cirrhosis and Other Liver Disease (All Ages)

For deaths registered during 2021-23, the mortality rate from cirrhosis and other liver disease was slightly higher in Hull compared to England for females, but 26% higher in Hull for males.

For men and women combined, the mortality rate from cirrhosis and other liver disease has been generally statistically significantly higher in Hull compared to England. There has been an increase in the mortality rate in England, and the rate of increase has been reasonably similar for both Hull and England.

There were 150 deaths from cirrhosis and other liver disease that were registered during the three year period 2021-23.

For men, the increase in the mortality rate from cirrhosis and other liver disease in Hull has been reasonably similar to the increase for England.

Two-thirds of the deaths from cirrhosis and other liver disease in Hull were among men with 100 deaths in total registered during the three year period 2021-23.

For women, the mortality rate from cirrhosis and other liver disease in Hull has been higher than England in he last decade, but for most years, the difference has not been statistically significant.

There were 50 deaths from cirrhosis and other liver disease that were registered during the three year period 2021-23 among women in Hull.

Premature Mortality from Liver Disease (Under 75 Years)

The premature mortality rate from liver disease in Hull is significantly higher than England for persons and for men for 2021-23. The mortality rates for women were similar in Hull compared to England.

Over the entire period from 2001-03 to 2021-23, there has been an increasing trend in the premature mortality rate from liver disease in Hull as well as across England and the region. However, the rate increased the most in the first few years with the mortality rate remaining relatively constant between 2011-13 and 2019-21 in Hull. The mortality rate has increased in the last two years between 2019-21 and 2021-23 in Hull, but it has also increased more sharply across England and the region too.

There is anecdotal evidence that drinking increased during the pandemic for some individuals, particularly those who drank alcohol at levels exceeding or close to the suggested maximum guidelines in terms of weekly consumption and binge drinking. The increase in the mortality rates a couple of years later maybe a consequence of this.

The total number and mortality rate for deaths registered during 2021-23 are the highest they have been in Hull over the entire period with 174 deaths in total over the three-year period and a rate of 26.6 deaths per 100,000 population.

Of the 174 premature liver disease deaths registered during 2021-23 in Hull, 123 (71%) of them were among men.

For men, the total number and mortality rate for deaths registered during 2021-23 are the highest they have been in Hull over the entire period with 123 deaths in total over the three-year period and a rate of 37.4 deaths per 100,000 population.

Due to the relatively small number of deaths, the premature mortality rate from liver disease among Hull women has shown considerable year-on-year variability, but there is an increasing trend over the entire period. However, in contrast to men, the rates have decreased in the last two years.

Among women, there were 51 premature liver disease deaths in total that were registered within the three-year period 2021-23.

Premature Mortality from Liver Disease From Causes Considered to be Preventable

The premature mortality rate from liver disease from causes considered to be preventable in Hull is significantly higher than England for men for deaths registered during 2021-23, but similar to England for women.

Of the 174 premature liver disease deaths registered during 2021-23 in Hull, 158 (91%) of them are from causes considered to be preventable.

The mortality rate has been reasonably constant in the last 10-15 years prior to the pandemic, although has increased since 2001-03. In the last 2-3 years, there has been a sharp increase in the mortality rate in Hull. Whilst there has also been an increase across England and the region in the last couple of years, the increase has been greater in Hull.

Among Hull men, of the 123 premature liver disease deaths registered during 2021-23 in Hull, 115 (93%) of them are from causes considered to be preventable.

Not surprisingly given the trends over time in the premature mortality rate and the high percentage of deaths that are considered to be preventable, the mortality rate has increased sharply among men for premature liver disease deaths that are considered to be preventable with 115 deaths in total giving the highest rate this century (34.9 deaths per 100,000 population).

Among Hull women, of the 51 premature liver disease deaths registered during 2021-23 in Hull, 43 (84%) of them are from causes considered to be preventable. So the percentage of premature liver disease deaths that are considered to be preventable in Hull is lower among women compared to men (although still high at 84%).

Of the 158 premature liver disease deaths which were considered preventable (so all under the age of 75 years) that were registered among Hull residents between 2021 and 2023, the average age at death was 57.9 years and it ranged from 30.3 years to 74.7 years. The average age of death for men was slightly lower at 57.3 years (range 30.3 years to 74.7 years) than for women (average 59.6 years, range 40.2 years to 73.8 years).

Overall the median was 59.3 years and the quartiles were 48.2 years and 67.4 years so one-quarter of all the premature liver disease deaths which were considered preventable were among people aged 48.2 years or younger, one-quarter aged 48.2-59.3 years, one-quarter aged 59.3-67.4 years and one-quarter aged 67.4 years or older.

Age at death	Males N	Females N	Persons N	Males %	Females %	Persons %
30-39	9	0	9	5.7	0.0	5.7
40-44	12	5	17	7.6	3.2	10.8
45-49	13	5	18	8.2	3.2	11.4
50-54	13	4	17	8.2	2.5	10.8
55-59	16	4	20	10.1	2.5	12.7
60-64	16	9	25	10.1	5.7	15.8
65-69	17	10	27	10.8	6.3	17.1
70-74	19	6	25	12.0	3.8	15.8
Total	115	43	158	72.8	27.2	100.0

Premature Mortality from Alcoholic Liver Disease

For deaths registered during 2021 to 2023, the premature mortality rate from alcoholic liver disease is higher in Hull compared to England for men, but comparable to England for women.

The premature mortality rate from alcoholic liver disease has increased at a faster rate in Hull compared to England between 2001-03 and 2021-23.

There were 96 deaths from alcoholic liver disease among people aged under 75 years that were registered during 2021-23 in Hull.

Among men, the increase in the premature mortality rate from alcoholic liver disease has been similar in Hull compared to England between 2001-03 and 2021-23.

There were 68 deaths from alcoholic liver disease among men aged under 75 years that were registered during 2021-23 in Hull.

There is more year-on-year variability in the premature mortality rate from alcoholic liver disease among women as the number of deaths is lower. In general, the mortality rate is higher in Hull than England, although for the majority of years the difference is not statistically significant.

There were 28 deaths from alcoholic liver disease among women aged under 75 years that were registered during 2021-23 in Hull.

Premature Mortality from Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

The premature mortality rate from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Hull is slightly lower than England for deaths registered during 2021 to 2023.

In general, the premature mortality rate from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Hull has been lower than England with no comparable difference between Hull and England. The number of deaths is very small in Hull with only four deaths in total that were registered during 2021-23.

Premature Mortality from Cirrhosis and Other Liver Disease

The premature mortality rate from cirrhosis and other liver disease in Hull is statistically significantly higher than England for deaths registered during 2021-23 with no statistically significant difference between Hull and England for women.

The premature mortality rate from cirrhosis and other liver disease has been increasing in Hull, and the rate of change has been reasonably similar to that of England.

There were 133 premature deaths from cirrhosis and other liver disease among Hull residents that were registered during 2021-23.

Among men, the premature mortality rate from cirrhosis and other liver disease has increased in Hull at a faster rate of change compared to England between 2001-03 and 2021-23.

There were 93 premature deaths from cirrhosis and other liver disease among Hull men that were registered during 2021-23.

Among women, the premature mortality rate from cirrhosis and other liver disease has increased in Hull at a faster rate of change compared to England between 2001-03 and 2021-23, although there is year-on-year variability in Hull.

There were 40 premature deaths from cirrhosis and other liver disease among Hull women that were registered during 2021-23.

Mortality From Liver Disease Among People with Severe Mental Ill Health

For deaths registered during 2021-23, the premature mortality rate from liver disease among people with severe mental ill health was 57% higher in Hull compared to England. However, as the overall premature mortality rate (for all people) was also higher than England (23% higher), so the differential in premature mortality between people with and without severe mental ill health is not as great as England when expressed as a percentage. In Hull, people with severe mental ill health have a 256% higher premature mortality rate from liver disease compared to people without severe mental ill health, but in England this is 556%.

Severe mental ill health is defined as having a referral to secondary mental health services in the five years preceding death (excluding learning disabilities and autism).

The premature mortality rate from liver disease among all adults and adults with severe mental ill health have both increased over time in Hull.

There were 70 deaths from liver disease among adults with severe mental ill health who were aged under 75 years that were registered between 2021-23, and 174 deaths in total. Thus four in ten of all premature deaths from liver disease in Hull were among people with severe mental ill health.

As the indicator examines mortality rate among people who have had contact with secondary mental health services in the last five years preceding death, it is possible that changes over time to the way services are run and access to services could influence the rate. It is possible that this could explain the increases over time, although it is also possible that the severity of mental ill health of service users could have increased over time.

Strategic Need and Service Provision

As liver disease often has no symptoms, it is necessary to look at proactive robust processes that can be put in place that ensure people with liver disease are diagnosed early, and get the care that they need. Most types of liver disease is treatable if detected early, but many people are diagnosed at a late stage when it is less treatable.

As around nine in ten cases of liver disease is preventable it is important that everybody understands the risk factors to reduce the development of liver disease through reduced alcohol intake, reducing levels of excess weight and reducing the risk of hepatitis viral infections through increased hygiene, safer sex and vaccination.

Resources

British Liver Disease. Liver disease in numbers – key facts and statistics. https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/statistics/

The Office for Health Improvement & Disparities’ Fingertips: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/

Updates

This page was last updated / checked on 5 February 2025.

This page is due to be updated / checked in August 2025.