DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Hepatologic Disease

Alcoholic Liver Disease

HIGH SEVERITY

Liver damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption, ranging from fatty liver to alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis. A leading cause of liver disease worldwide. Risk increases with amount and duration of alcohol use. Can be reversible in early stages.

Global Affected

200.0M

Countries

111

Symptoms

Fatigue
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Jaundice
Swelling (edema)
Confusion
Easy bruising
Weight loss
Spider angiomas

Treatment Options

Complete alcohol abstinence
Nutritional support
Corticosteroids (hepatitis)
Liver transplant
Pentoxifylline
N-acetylcysteine

Risk Factors

1Heavy alcohol use
2Female gender
3Genetic factors
4Obesity
5Malnutrition
6Chronic hepatitis C

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Liver function tests
  • 2Abdominal ultrasound
  • 3CT/MRI
  • 4Liver biopsy
  • 5FibroScan
  • 6CDT (alcohol marker)

Prognosis

Variable: fatty liver reversible with abstinence. Alcoholic hepatitis has 40% mortality severe. Cirrhosis 5-year survival 60-90% if abstinent, 30-50% if drinking. Liver transplant survival 70-85% at 5 years.

Prevention

  • Limit alcohol consumption
  • Avoid binge drinking
  • Early intervention
  • Nutritional support

Research Status

Complete alcohol abstinence essential. Nutritional support. Corticosteroids for severe alcoholic hepatitis. Liver transplant for end-stage disease. Novel: N-acetylcysteine, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, fecal microbiota transplant.

Sources

  • https://www.liverfoundation.org/for-patients/about-the-liver/diseases-of-the-liver/alcohol-related-liver-disease/
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alcoholic-hepatitis
  • https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/alcoholic-liver-disease

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.