Excessive alcohol consumption might put your liver in more danger than you think
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Over the past 20 years in the U.S., alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) has been increasing as a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. The study, conducted by researchers at USC's Keck Medicine, offers a comprehensive look at the demographics of heavy drinking and their relation to liver disease, highlighting significant trends and demographic impacts.
Trends
The incidence and deaths due to alcoholic liver disease have risen in recent years, particularly exacerbated by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw increased alcohol consumption and related harms. Mortality rates related to alcoholic liver disease have shown a rising trend after a previously stable period in some regions like the UK, often reflective of similar patterns in the U.S. [1]
Younger adults and middle-aged persons have seen notable increases in severe forms of alcohol-related liver disease, including alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Demographic groups most affected
- Age: Middle-aged adults (roughly 45-65 years old) historically carry the highest disease burden. However, trends show rising incidence among younger adults (20s-40s) as well.
- Sex: Males are more commonly affected due to higher rates of heavy alcohol consumption, but rates among females have been rising faster in recent decades.
- Socioeconomic and racial/ethnic factors: Lower socioeconomic status groups have higher rates of ARLD, likely linked to patterns of alcohol use and access to healthcare. Certain racial/ethnic minorities in the U.S. also show disparities, with higher mortality rates observed in Native American and Hispanic populations.
Clinical aspects
Alcohol-related liver disease encompasses a spectrum – from fatty liver and alcoholic hepatitis to cirrhosis and liver failure. Complications include liver cirrhosis, portal hypertension, and increased risk of liver cancer. Co-factors like coexisting metabolic disorders, viral hepatitis, and genetic predispositions can influence disease severity and progression.
Context on treatment and outlook
Treatment includes alcohol cessation support and medical management of liver damage. Natural compounds such as milk thistle have been explored for liver protection but lack conclusive evidence for efficacy [5].
The findings provide important new information about which population groups may need more intervention to curb alcohol use. Researcher Brian P. Lee, M.D., MAS, stated that the findings are a major wakeup call to the dangers of drinking. The researchers hope these findings lead to improvements in the health care system, such as earlier disease screenings and personalized care approaches for at-risk patients.
The study found that rates of significant liver disease have skyrocketed, marking the first comprehensive look at the demographics of heavy drinking and their relation to liver disease since the 1990s. The study indicates that the makeup of heavy alcohol consumers has changed compared to 20 years ago, with women, adults 45 and older, those living in poverty, and those with metabolic conditions drinking more than they were 20 years ago.
References:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7607075/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6963017/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7053967/ [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6867089/ [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6245737/
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