Alcoholic Liver Disease

Question 1

What is ALD?

Answer 1

Liver pathology due to XS alcohol consumption.

Question 2

Progression (variants) of ALD?

Answer 2

1) Alcoholic Fatty Liver - acute XS drinking
2) Alcoholic Hepatitis - long term/binge drinking
3) Cirrhosis - irreversible

Question 3

Investigations if suspected ALD?

Answer 3

1) Bedside - FBC, U&Es, LFTs, CRP
2) Imaging - Fibroscan + Ultrasound
3) Liver biopsy if cirrhosis suspected

Question 4

Managing ALD?

Answer 4

1) Alcohol Cessation (MOST IMPORTANT) e.g. detox
2) Treat symptoms e.g. steroids if hepatitis
3) Liver transplant (cirrhosis)

Question 5

Reversibility of ALD?

Answer 5

Alcoholic fatty liver - 2 weeks without drinking

Alcoholic Hepatitis - Mild can be reversed w/detox