Alcoholic hepatitis

Alcoholic hepatitis
Micrograph showing a Mallory body, as seen in alcoholic hepatitis.
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Jaundice, abdominal pain, ascites, nausea, vomiting, fever
Complications	Liver cirrhosis, hepatic encephalopathy, liver failure
Onset	Gradual
Duration	Variable
Types	N/A
Causes	Excessive alcohol consumption
Risks	Chronic alcohol use, malnutrition, female gender, obesity
Diagnosis	Liver function tests, liver biopsy
Differential diagnosis	Viral hepatitis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis
Prevention	Abstinence from alcohol, nutritional support
Treatment	Corticosteroids, abstinence from alcohol, nutritional support
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Variable, depends on severity and continued alcohol use
Frequency	Common in individuals with chronic alcohol use
Deaths	N/A

= Alcoholic Hepatitis: Liver Inflammation Linked to Alcohol Abuse =

Alcoholic hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by excessive alcohol consumption. It is characterized by liver cell death, immune cell infiltration, and the presence of Mallory bodies within liver cells. This article explores the pathophysiology, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and potential progression of alcoholic hepatitis.

Introduction

A liver biopsy showing characteristic features of alcoholic hepatitis, including Mallory bodies.

Alcoholic hepatitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. It occurs after years of heavy drinking and is part of a spectrum of alcohol-related liver diseases that can eventually lead to liver cirrhosis and liver failure.

Pathophysiology

The pathogenesis of alcoholic hepatitis involves:

• The metabolism of alcohol to toxic compounds that directly damage hepatocytes (liver cells)
• The induction of an inflammatory response in which neutrophils infiltrate the liver tissue
• The accumulation of Mallory bodies, which are abnormal protein aggregates within liver cells

Symptoms

Symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis may include:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Abdominal pain and swelling
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Fatigue

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on a combination of medical history, physical examination, blood tests, imaging studies, and sometimes liver biopsy. Key tests include liver function tests, complete blood count, and imaging modalities like ultrasound or CT scans.

Treatment

Treatment for alcoholic hepatitis includes:

• Cessation of alcohol intake
• Nutritional support
• Medications to reduce liver inflammation, such as corticosteroids
• Management of complications, such as infections and kidney dysfunction

Prognosis and Progression

Liver cirrhosis, a potential outcome of untreated alcoholic hepatitis.

The prognosis of alcoholic hepatitis varies with its severity. Mild forms may be reversible with abstinence from alcohol, while severe cases can progress to liver cirrhosis and necessitate consideration for liver transplantation.

Prevention

Prevention of alcoholic hepatitis is centered on the moderation of alcohol intake, education on the risks of heavy drinking, and early intervention in cases of alcohol abuse.

Conclusion

Alcoholic hepatitis is a preventable condition that requires a high index of clinical suspicion for timely diagnosis and management. With appropriate treatment and lifestyle modifications, patients can often recover liver function and avoid progression to cirrhosis.

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Alcoholic_hepatitis

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  Mallory body high magnification

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  Alcohol related liver disease