Fact 4: Potential Complications
Alcoholic hepatitis doesn’t exist in isolation. Its emergence can usher in a cascade of complications, each amplifying the gravity of the situation. These complications span from the direct effects on the liver, like cirrhosis, to systemic repercussions such as hepatorenal syndrome.
Liver cirrhosis, a direct consequence of persistent inflammation, leads to scar tissue replacing healthy liver cells. This scarring impedes the liver’s function, further escalating the disease’s severity. It’s a grim testament to the destructive power of unchecked alcoholic hepatitis.
Beyond cirrhosis, there’s the looming threat of liver failure. When the liver becomes so damaged that it ceases to function, it ushers in a medical emergency. Time becomes of the essence, with the potential need for a liver transplant to save the patient’s life.
But the complications don’t stop at the liver. Conditions like hepatorenal syndrome showcase the interconnectedness of our body systems. In this syndrome, kidney function deteriorates as a result of severe liver damage, underscoring the ripple effects of alcoholic hepatitis. (4)
