Alcoholic Liver Disease

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality globally, and is a chief cause of death among adults with alcohol use disorders. This chapter describes the burden, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapy of ALD. It also discusses the fact that alcohol abuse can be a modifying factor for other liver diseases. The chapter further discusses some hot topics such as liver transplant for patients with ALD. Alcohol abuse is one of the main causes of preventable disease worldwide. Mortality in people with alcohol use disorders is markedly higher than previously thought, particularly with women who suffer from alcohol use disorders, who generally have a higher mortality risk than men. It is indicated in patients with aggressive forms of ALD such as alcoholic hepatitis which require specific therapies (e.g. corticosteroids and/or pentoxiphylline) and in patients with other cofactors suspected of contributing to liver disease.