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Alcoholic liver
disease
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Normal |
Abnormal |
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- This occurs after periods of long-term Consumption of
ethanol (alcohol), an agent toxic to the liver, which inflames and injures the liver. This condition is reversible, but commonly is a precursor to liver Cirrhosis (permanent
damage and scarring of the
liver).
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- Loss of Appetite
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Confusion
- Coma
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- Excessive alcohol Consumption (this
level may be less than the level for
drunkenness)
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- Possible findings on examination:
- Jaundice (yellow skin or eyes)
- Ascites (fluid in
abdomen)
- Hepatomegaly (enlarged liver)
- Tests that may be performed:
- Blood tests
- CBC, which may show anemia and
elevated white blood cell count
- Liver function tests show a moderately elevated AST that is usually double the ALT level, elevated GGTP, and elevated Bilirubin level.
- Decreased albumin (protein level)
and increased gamma globulin level
- Liver biopsy
- Ultrasound of liver
- CT scan
- MRI
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- Discontinuance of all alcoholic
beverages
- Nutritional supplementation
- Vitamin supplementation with Folic Acid and
Thiamin usually needed
- Methylprednisolone may be
considered by your
physician.
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- An alcoholic dependency treatment
program, counseling, or Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) should
strongly be
considered.
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