[Alcohol-induced liver diseases]

Abstract

This review article is mainly concerned with the incidence and pathogenesis of alcohol-induced liver diseases. Clinically the most relevant symptom is a hepatomegaly. During the course of the disease there is to state progression to alcoholic hepatitis with increasing jaundice. The laboratory values show different patterns; severe courses develop progression to a fulminant hepatitis. The diagnostic approach includes exact patient's medical history, clinical and laboratory investigations, followed by a step-wise diagnostic procedure including histology. Therapeutically the main approach is a diet, in case of malnutrition substitution of vitamins and only rarely the need of corticosteroids and/or anabolic steroids. Prognosis and long-term course of alcoholic-induced liver disease depend mainly on the severity of the disease and the consequent alcohol-free diet.