Alcoholic hepatitis:- diagnosis and treatments

Diagnosing and Treating Alcoholic Hepatitis

Diagnosis Process Healthcare providers conduct a thorough physical examination and inquire about current and past alcohol consumption. It’s crucial to be transparent about alcohol use. They may also consult family members for additional insights.

Tests for Liver Disease Diagnosis May Include:

• Liver function tests
• Blood tests
• Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans of the liver
• A liver biopsy, particularly if other tests are inconclusive or if there’s a risk of other hepatitis causes

Treatment Overview The cornerstone of treating alcoholic hepatitis is complete abstinence from alcohol, coupled with therapies to alleviate liver damage symptoms.

Quitting Alcohol Ceasing alcohol consumption is essential for those diagnosed with alcoholic hepatitis to potentially reverse or prevent further liver damage. Continued drinking can lead to critical health issues.

Support for Quitting Alcohol May Involve:

• Medications
• Counseling
• Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous
• Outpatient or residential treatment programs

Addressing Malnutrition Healthcare professionals may recommend a specialized diet to correct nutritional deficiencies. Dietitians can provide tailored advice to improve dietary intake and compensate for nutrient shortfalls.

Feeding Assistance For individuals unable to eat normally, a feeding tube may be introduced either through the throat or directly into the stomach to deliver a nutrient-rich liquid diet.

Medications to Reduce Inflammation In cases of severe alcoholic hepatitis, certain medications may be beneficial:

• Corticosteroids: These can extend life expectancy in some patients but are contraindicated in cases of kidney failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, or infection due to serious side effects.
• Pentoxifylline: An alternative for those who cannot take corticosteroids, though its efficacy is uncertain.
• N-acetylcysteine: May be helpful, but further research is required.

Liver Transplant Considerations For severe cases, a liver transplant may be necessary to prevent death. Historically, individuals with alcoholic hepatitis were not eligible for transplants due to the risk of post-transplant drinking. However, recent studies indicate that carefully selected patients can have comparable survival rates to those with other liver diseases.

Requirements for Transplant Eligibility:

• Enrollment in a program catering to individuals with alcoholic hepatitis
• Adherence to program guidelines, including a lifelong commitment to abstaining from alcohol

Preparing for a Medical Appointment Patients may be referred to a gastroenterologist specializing in digestive diseases.

Before the Appointment:

• Verify if fasting or other preparations are needed before tests
• Compile a list of symptoms, medications, medical history, and personal information to share with the healthcare provider