Progression of alcoholic liver disease

1. Alcohol related fatty liver

Drinking leads to a build-up of fat in the liver. If drinking stops this process reverses in around 2 weeks.

1. Alcoholic hepatitis

Drinking alcohol over a long period causes inflammation in the liver sites. Binge drinking is associated with the same effect. Mild alcoholic hepatitis is usually reversible with permanent abstinence.

1. Cirrhosis

This is where the liver is made up of scar tissue rather than healthy liver tissue. This is irreversible. Stopping drinking can prevent further damage. Continued drinking has a very poor prognosis.

Complications of Alcohol

• Alcoholic Liver Disease
• Cirrhosis and the complications of cirrhosis including hepatocellular carcinoma
• Alcohol Dependence and Withdrawal
• Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS)
• Pancreatitis
• Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy

PC: Signs of Liver Disease

• Asterixis, Ascites, Ankle oedema, Atrophy of testicles
• Bruising