Alcoholic Liver Disease

 Alcoholic Liver DiseaseAlcoholic Liver Disease

Alcoholic Liver Disease


 

 

Terms You Should Know

  • Aminotansferase : Hepatocyte enzyme that modifies proteins ; blood levels increase in the setting of hepatocellular necrosis ( hepatocyte death). The two aminotransferases important in liver disease are AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT ( alanine aminotransferase).

  • Ascites : Accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, usually secondary to liver scarring. 

  • Cirrhosis : Irreversible fibrosis of the liver. 

  • Coagulopathy : Increased bleeding tendency due to decreased hepatic synthesis of clotting factors. 

  • Encephalopathy : Alteration in sleep patterns and mental status, ranging from forgetfulness and mild confusion to coma. 

  • Fibrosis : The formation of fibrosis tissue, or scarring. 

  • Fulminant : Running a speedy course, with rapid worsening. 

  • Hepatitis : Inflammation and damage to the liver; generally considered acute if duration is less than six months, chronic if greater than six months. 

  • Hepatocellular necrosis : Localised tissue death of hepatic cells.

  • Hepatocytes : Liver cells. 

Alcoholic liver disease ( ALD) is one of the major medical complications of alcohol abuse. Alcohol is a major cause of liver cirrhosis. The safe limits for alcohol intake are controversial but a weekly limit of 21 units ( 210 g) in men and 14 units in women is advised. There is steep dose dependent increase in ALD risk above this threshold with increasing alcohol intake. 

Factors Increasing Susceptibility to ALD

  • Women, if they consume alcohol

  • Lifetime intake of alcohol

  • Genetic factors

  • Alcohol consumption with reduced food intake

  • Binge drinking

  • High concentration alcoholic drinks.

  • Drinking multiple alcoholic beverages. 

Spectrum of Liver Disease
Treatment