ASSESSMENT OF CLINICAL PROFILE OF PATIENTS WITH ALCOHOLIC LIVER DISEASE

Abstract

Background: Alcohol consumption affects both mental and physical function of the body and hence called as “dual disease” because it has mentioned in etiology of morbidity in both the components of the body. According to the reports of World Health Organization there were more than 150 million people worldwide has indulged with alcoholism.

Material & Methods: The present prospective study was conducted at department of general medicine of our tertiary care hospital. 5o Patients who were diagnosed as acute onset alcoholic liver disease were enrolled from outdoor and from ward by simple random sampling.

Results: The most common clinical feature recorded among study participants was of nausea and vomiting seen in 46 (92%) of patients, which was followed by jaundice reported among 43 (86%) of patients. Hepatomegaly was reported among 37 (74%) of patients, which was followed by signs of liver failure reported among 30 (60%) patients, followed by anorexia reported among 29 (58%) of patients. Splenomegaly was reported among 17 (34%) of patients, fever was reported among 13 (26%) of patients, abdominal pain was reported among 12 (24%) of cases and ascites was reported among 8 (16%) study participants.

Conclusion:  We concluded from the present study that larger quantities of alcohol consumption for a longer duration of time result in high morbidity and mortalities. Alcoholic liver disease is not only a medical burden but also a social burden which leads to frequent hospitalization and unwanted out of pocket expenditure.

Key words: alcoholic liver disease, liver cirrhosis, hepatomegaly.