Consumption of alcohol can cause acute episodes of lapses in judgment, inappropriate behavior and hangovers. In addition, chronic exposure to alcohol places a tremendous burden on the liver. Many chronic drinkers develop cirrhosis of the liver, a severe and life-threatening illness. Early indications of liver disease may include an elevation in certain liver enzymes within the bloodstream.
Alcoholic Cirrhosis
Although cirrhosis can have many causes, chronic alcohol consumption is the leading cause, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Cirrhosis occurs when the liver slowly begins to deteriorate. Since the liver is responsible for many critical functions including toxin removal, hormone synthesis, nutrient synthesis, and the production of coagulation factors, hepatic disease has many detrimental effects on the body. The liver has a limited capability to regenerate after injury, but this ability is lost in the late stages of liver disease.
Symptoms and Complications
Patients who have been diagnosed with cirrhosis may experience symptoms including weakness, fatigue, fragility, abdominal pain, fluid retention and loss of appetite. In severe cases, patients may experiences jaundice and life-threatening complications including edema, bleeding disorders, and hepatic encephalopathy. Patients with severe hepatic disease may require a liver transplant.
Liver Enzymes and Cirrhosis
An elevation in lever enzymes is often an early indicator of injury or disease inside the liver. As liver cells die, they release enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase, or ALT, and aspartate aminotransferase, or AST, into the bloodstream. Since other factors such as medications can cause liver enzymes to rise, elevated liver enzymes should be used with other labs and the overall clinical picture to determine whether cirrhosis is present.
Significance
Chronic use of alcohol can lead to the development of cirrhosis and liver disease. In severe cases, hepatic disease can be life-threatening and require the patient to undergo a transplant procedure. Routine monitoring of labs including liver enzymes can help to identify the presence of liver disease, especially in high-risk groups such as chronic drinkers. You should speak with a physician if you have concerns about alcohol consumption and liver disease.
