Premorbid hair growth over the trunk and severity of alcohol-related liver disease

Abstract

It is unclear why only a minority (<15%) of alcoholics develop liver disease. No predisposing host factor other than gender (women are more susceptible than men) has been identified. The present study was carried out to examine the association of another host factor, hair growth over the trunk, and alcoholic liver disease. Forty-four chronic alcohol abusers were categorized into group I (scanty hair growth) and group II (profuse hair growth) based on premorbid hair distribution over the trunk. The results of laboratory tests, liver histology, and incidence of portal hypertension were compared between the two groups. There were 21 patients in group I and 23 in group II. The mean (+/- SD) daily alcohol consumption was greater in group II (230 +/- 146 g) vs group I patients (152 +/- 56 g; P < 0.05), as was the duration of alcohol abuse (17.3 +/- 7.4 vs 11.9 +/- 4.9 years; P < 0.01). Despite lower alcohol consumption, liver tests showed greater derangement in group I compared to group II patients. At histology, severe forms of liver damage were seen more frequently in group I vs group II patients (P < 0.001). Our results indicate a close association between the premorbid truncal hair growth and severity of alcoholic liver disease. These findings provide an easily recognizable clinical sign identifying individuals at increased risk of developing alcohol-related liver damage.