Alcohol-Related Liver Disease Disease Summary

Overview

Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) consists of a clinical-histological spectrum which includes hepatic steatosis, alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis with various complications as defined in the Introduction section.

Alcohol-related liver disease is the leading cause of acute and chronic liver failure, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. It is one of the leading causes of liver transplantation.  A detailed discussion about the incidence and prevalence of the disease is featured in the Epidemiology section.

Alcohol-related liver disease results from a complex interaction of behavioral, environmental, and genetic factors. These factors are discussed further in the Pathophysiology section.

In the Risk Factors section the cofactors in the development of alcohol-related liver disease are enumerated and discussed.

While in the Classification section, steatotic liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis are defined and discussed.

History and Physical Examination

The signs, symptoms, and severity of liver disease can be variable between individuals and histological stages. These are further explained in the Clinical Presentation section.

Diagnosis

Information that is necessary in diagnosing alcoholic hepatitis and the diagnostic criteria for alcohol use disorder are featured in the Diagnosis and Diagnostic Criteria section.

In the Screening section, different screening tools are enumerated and described.

Several laboratory tests and imaging studies to be done to assess the disease are included in the Laboratory Tests and Ancillaries and Imaging section.

Alternative diagnoses for steatotic liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis are in the Differential Diagnosis section.

Management

In the Pharmacological Therapy section, the points to consider before commencing treatment with corticosteroids or Pentoxifylline, which are treatment options for alcoholic-liver disease are discussed. Approved abstinence and relapse prevention medications for patients with alcohol use disorder, investigational therapies, vaccination and other treatment options are also featured in this section.

Several non-drug options to consider that may aid in the management of alcoholic liver disease which include abstinence from alcohol, lifestyle modifications and nutrition therapy are featured in the Nonpharmacological section.  

In the Surgery section, liver transplantation indications and evaluation of patients eligible for liver transplantation are discussed.

Alcohol-Related Liver Disease_Disease Summary