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ALCOHOL-RELATED LIVER DISEASE

Alcoholic liver disease diagnosis is suggested by an established history of habitual alcohol intake of sufficient length and intensity.
Signs of alcohol abuse and hepatic injury include malnutrition and muscle wasting, cutaneous telangiectasia, palmar erythema, finger clubbing, Dupuytren's contracture, peripheral neuropathy, parotid gland enlargement and signs of gynecomastia and hypogonadism may also be present. Patient may also be asymptomatic.

 

Introduction

Patient may present with signs and symptoms related to portal hypertension:
  • Abdominal wall collaterals
  • Ascites
  • Splenomegaly
  • Venous hum
  • Hepatic encephalopathy

Signs and Symptoms

Signs of Alcohol Abuse and Hepatic Injury

  • Malnutrition and muscle wasting
  • Jaundice
  • Cutaneous telangiectasia
  • Palmar erythema
  • Finger clubbing
  • Dupuytren’s contracture
  • Rhinophyma
  • Spider angioma
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Parotid gland enlargement
  • Signs of gynecomastia and hypogonadism may also be present

Others

  • Patient may be asymptomatic
  • Hepatomegaly, which is the most common sign in patients with alcohol-related liver disease (ALD)
  • Hepatic bruit
  • Alcohol withdrawal (eg tremors, tachycardia, agitation, delirium tremens)
  • Anorexia, weight loss
  • Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) (≥2 of the following: Heart rate >100 beats/minute, respiratory rate >12 breaths/minute, temperature >38°C or <36°C, WBC count >12,000 or <4000 mm)
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