Alcoholic hepatitis

Alcoholic Hepatitis 

 

Alcoholic hepatitis is a severe syndrome and a stage of alcoholic liver disease.

 

It is mostly caused by long term heavy alcohol consumption. However, it is important to note that it is not quantity dependent.


Risk factors

  1. High BMI
  2. Pre-existing liver disease
  3. Genetics

 

It is characterized by

  1. Rapid onset of jaundice,
  2. Malaise
  3. Right upper quadrant pain
  4. Elevated liver enzymes
  5. Features of systemic inflammatory response.


Signs of severe disease

a)     Ascites

b)     Hepatic encephalopathy

c)     Coagulation disorders (bleeding disorder)

d)     Variceal bleeding

e)     Thrombocytopenia

 

 

Evaluation

The diagnosis of alcoholic hepatitis is done clinically with supporting laboratory investigation.

 

  1. Liver function tests
  2. Complete blood counts
  3. Ultrasound

 

Treatment

  1. Complete alcohol abstinence
  2. Supportive therapy

 

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