ALCOHOL AND ITS EFFECTS
One of the most tragic and scary outcomes for longstanding alcoholism is the development of alcoholic liver disease. Through repeated bouts of drinking, the caustic effects of alcohol and the stress on the liver create episodes of inflammation. Our livers are naturally durable and have the capacity to heal and regenerate. However, there is a breaking point in which permanent damage occurs. Over time, the cycle of inflammation and healing becomes impaired. The liver no longer settles into a healthy state. It relaxes into one of scar tissue, and this is what we call cirrhosis.
Screening for Alcoholic Liver Disease
We will always draw basic lab tests to monitor the liver when a patient enters treatment. We’re able to see through these tests if someone is experiencing current inflammation, most likely connected to alcohol use. The liver normally emits chemicals into the bloodstream called ‘transaminases.’ These markers help us know that the liver is continuing to function properly. If these markers are too high, we know that the patient has an inflamed liver. We will give our patient the feedback of this inflammation. We also offer our counseling of the medical need to stay sober. Sometimes, people minimize their drinking patterns but are more likely to accept the need for sobriety if given such quantitative data.
It is also very concerning if the transaminase levels are extremely low for a severe alcoholic. This may mean the liver is highly cirrhotic and not capable of doing its job. In these cases, we often refer the patient to receive an ultrasound scan of the liver. This is the most definitive test to confirm a diagnosis of cirrhosis, as we are able to view the actual scar tissue on the liver.
The Functioning of the Liver
Of note, physical exams from a doctor are somewhat useful in screening for liver disease based on the size and feel on an exam. A normal liver is the largest physical organ in the body with a weight of around 1.4 kg and is somewhat tender. An inflamed liver can be highly tender and larger on an exam. A cirrhotic liver can be normal size, larger or smaller based on the extent of scar tissue present.
The liver also carries a vital role in the way our body heals from wounds. Certain clotting factors are synthesized by the liver. One blood test, called the international normalized ratio (INR), helps us determine if the liver is producing enough effective clotting factors. People who have an active liver disease can experience marked bruising to the point of danger. For those with severe deficiencies, a doctor may recommend a blood transfusion, including adding platelets to the body to improve clotting ability.
Secondary Complications from Liver Disease
As a healthy liver is important for filtering toxins from the blood, it makes sense that large volumes of blood pass through the liver tissue each day. When a liver becomes scarred, backed up blood flow occurs. This causes complications in other parts of the body due to this elevated pressure.
One common finding from patients with alcoholic liver disease is the swelling of blood vessels in the extremities or the throat. Esophageal varices are bulging blood vessels in the throat which can bleed or severely burst with stress and pressure. ‘Spider angioma’ are Visible blood vessels on the extremities or abdomen and are also a marker of liver disease.
Fluids and Swelling
With changes in proteins in the body, specifically the protein albumin, a person can notice shifts of fluid and swelling in different regions. This can include swelling of the feet and ankles or swelling of the abdomen. ‘Ascites’ is abdominal swelling. It can function as a vulnerable space for the body to develop a life-threatening infection called spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, or SBP.
Severe ascites can be very painful and a procedure called paracentesis is sometimes helpful. In a hospital setting, a clinician inserts a needle into the abdominal tissue to drain excess fluid. Paracentesis can also screen for SBP if a person develops a fever.
Prescribed blood pressure medications help alleviate what we call portal hypertension. This phenomenon of liver blood flow back-up. Diuretic medications also help decrease overall swelling and fluid retention.
Liver Transplant
The only effective cure for cirrhosis of the liver is a liver transplant. This procedure is highly structured and involves collaboration between many physicians, and sometimes on a national level. A new liver is quite precious, so candidates for liver transplantation must be very stable in their lives. This includes a strong recovery if the cause of cirrhosis is alcoholism.
There is some debate in the medical community around the length of time needed to demonstrate such stability. The standard of care has been a 6-month period of sobriety. People with somewhat less sober time have completed some liver transplants.
Eligibility and Aftercare
We use a calculated score to rank potential recipients of a new liver. This is called the “Model for End-Stage Liver Disease” or MELD score. Laboratory values of sodium, INR, kidney function and bilirubin determine the MELD score. The national database tries to match the most severe cases with the greatest urgency. We track a patient’s MELD score at CeDAR to help monitor the severity of cirrhosis.
After receiving a liver transplant, the recipient will need to take special medications which reduce the body’s immune system. This is necessary to prevent the body from rejecting the foreign tissue of the new liver. Each potential liver recipient receives special education about this process and is also screened for psychiatric issues to ensure that they could effectively and appropriately comply with the medication regimen.
Medical Management at CeDAR
The nursing and medical team of CeDAR is highly competent at working with patients to facilitate quality health outcomes. This includes helping manage those with severe alcoholic liver disease. As we often discuss the psycho-social and emotional impacts of alcoholism, we must always remember the grave severity of such addictions and their costs on the body. Liver disease is one of the most pronounced medical conditions our patients face, and recovery is necessary for their overall health stability.
Read more CeDAR Education Articles about Alcohol and Its Effects.