Alcohol and the Liver

Abstract

Alcohol consumption is well entrenched in the fabric of many cultures especially in the western world. It is legal, readily available and relatively cheap [1]. There is a rising
incidence in consumption in the developing countries [2]. This incidence has contributed to the dependence and behavioural anomalies associated with its excessive consumption. Sustained excessive alcohol consumption is a brain-centred behavioural disorder; it might lead to liver disease but also predisposes to development of cardiovascular, renal, neurological and endocrine disorders [1]. Alcohol liver disease [ALD] remains an important complication and cause of morbidity and mortality from alcohol abuse. It is surprising then that less than 20% of heavy drinkers progress to advanced disease [1]. The reason for this remains largely speculative. This article is a review of alcoholic liver disease.

IFEMED Journal Vol. 14 (1) 2008: pp. 13-17