Alcoholic liver disease

Alcoholic liver disease is a term that encompasses the liver manifestations of alcohol overconsumption, including fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and chronic hepatitis with liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. It is the major cause of liver disease in Western countries. According to the World Health Organization, alcoholism is the third leading cause of death in the world.

NAFLD liver progression

Etiology

Alcoholic liver disease is caused by heavy alcohol use. The relationship between alcohol consumption and risk of liver disease is dose-dependent. The risk is higher for those who consume more than 40 grams of alcohol per day for men, and more than 20 grams per day for women, over a period of 10 years or more.

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease involves a complex interaction of several mechanisms, including oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and cytokine production. Alcohol metabolism in the liver generates reactive oxygen species, which can damage liver cells and lead to inflammation and fibrosis.

Clinical Features

The clinical features of alcoholic liver disease depend on the stage of the disease. Early stages may be asymptomatic, while advanced stages may present with jaundice, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and variceal bleeding.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of alcoholic liver disease is based on a combination of history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI may also be used.

Treatment

The mainstay of treatment for alcoholic liver disease is abstinence from alcohol. Other treatments may include nutritional support, medications to reduce inflammation and fibrosis, and in severe cases, liver transplantation.

Prognosis

The prognosis of alcoholic liver disease varies depending on the stage of the disease and the patient's ability to abstain from alcohol. Early stages of the disease may be reversible with abstinence, while advanced stages may lead to liver failure and death.

See Also

• Alcoholism
• Liver disease
• Cirrhosis
• Hepatitis