Alcoholic Liver Disease
There is a lack of knowledge about the pathogenesis of alcoholic hepatitis. However, liver damage may be caused by several disorders. One is that ethanol metabolism results in the generation of oxidative stress. Moreover, endotoxin may “leak” into the portal circulation from the intestines. Endotoxin attaches to Kupffer cell receptors, triggering an inflammatory reaction in the liver.
A lengthy history of intense alcohol drinking, the appearance of jaundice and ascites on physical examination, and laboratory testing confirming high total bilirubin and other variables all contribute to the diagnosis of alcoholic hepatitis. Patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis may have higher bilirubin serum concentrations due to increased bilirubin synthesis and a concurrent reduction in bilirubin’s biliary transport ability. Bilirubin values of more than 10-15 mg/dL indicate severe alcoholic hepatitis. This level of bilirubin is more than 10x higher than the normal level.
The FDA approves no drug as medicine for alcoholic hepatitis. However, medications such as glucocorticosteroids and pentoxifylline are commonly used for treatment. Therefore, substances that could affect the liver, such as alcohol, should be avoided or consumed in regulation.
