This paper presents results of the largest and longest prospective follow-up of individuals with AUDs for whom detailed baseline information had been gathered by the same research group almost two decades earlier. The current protocol is the first step in preparing for a more costly and intensive study of a broader group of COGA participants, including those without AUDs and comparison subjects. In this step, the data gathered over a one-year period demonstrated subjects could be found, death outcomes could be established, 95% of located subjects agreed to be interviewed, and all interviewees agreed to future follow-ups. The data gathered allowed for analyses to evaluate five hypotheses regarding potential baseline predictors of four a priori established outcome categories.
