Alcohol abuse is associated with dysregulated immune and inflammatory pathways, which may elevate the susceptibility to autoimmune connective tissue diseases (ACTDs). Nevertheless, evidence in Asian populations remains scarce. The present study was designed to explore this association and fill the existing research void. Data were obtained from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database to identify all individuals diagnosed with alcohol abuse from 2000 to 2017. A comparison group without alcohol abuse was selected, matched by age, sex, and index date in a 3:1 ratio. Baseline comorbidities commonly linked to ACTD were recorded for adjustment. Follow-up continued in both groups until ACTD diagnosis or December 31, 2018.
The study enrolled 57,154 individuals with alcohol abuse and 171,462 without. Age and sex distributions were comparable, with males comprising 89.8% overall. Following adjustment for comorbidities, alcohol abuse was linked to an elevated ACTD risk [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR): 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01–1.25]. Subgroup analysis showed this association was confined to males. Furthermore, liver disease, renal disease, coronary artery disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease emerged as independent risk factors for ACTD, in addition to alcohol abuse. Our findings indicate that alcohol abuse heightens the likelihood of ACTD development in Asians, especially in men. Consequently, promoting alcohol abstinence is particularly advisable for those with liver disease, renal disease, coronary artery disease, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
