Alcohol and the liver

Hospital admissions because of alcohol-related liver disease (ArLD) are increasing. The amount of alcohol consumed and pattern of drinking are linked to increased risk of ArLD. However, other factors such as obesity, co-existent liver disease – particularly hepatitis C, gender, nutritional status and genetic factors also play a role. The spectrum of ArLD ranges from steatosis to alcoholic hepatitis to established cirrhosis, and the alcohol-related injury involves multiple mechanisms. Chronic, excessive alcohol consumption can cause cirrhosis in the absence of alcohol dependency syndrome or indicators of alcohol abuse.