The aetiology, management and complications of alcoholic hepatitis.
First described over 40 years ago, alcoholic hepatitis (AH) (an acute inflammation of the liver) is a common condition seen in 10-35% of heavy drinkers. In its severest form acute AH carries a high short-term mortality of up to 60%. Although the current treatment options are limited, many of the complications associated with increased mortality, such as hepatorenal syndrome, are preventable. The incidence of AH in the UK is set to rise as a result of the increase in heavy drinking. This article aims to increase awareness of the disease aetiology and to review current management strategies and nursing care.
Sargent
Suzanne
S
Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London.
D000208:Acute Disease; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001201:Ascites / Q000209:etiology; D001706:Biopsy; D002423:Cause of Death; D004932:Esophageal and Gastric Varices / Q000209:etiology; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D006519:Hepatitis, Alcoholic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006530:Hepatorenal Syndrome / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008099:Liver / Q000502:physiology; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D010431:Pentoxifylline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011379:Prognosis; D011517:Prothrombin Time; D016019:Survival Analysis; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D010431:Pentoxifylline