The effect of chronic alcohol abuse on liver damage and function – analysis of basic biochemical and coagulological parameters

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the duration of alcohol dependence on liver function and the degree of hepatocytes damage. Material and methods: The study included 400 men with diagnosed alcohol dependence based on ICD-10, and 50 non-dependent males, who formed the control group. Alcohol dependent patients were divided into 4 groups according to the duration of dependence: I (1-5 years), II (6-10), III (11-15) and IV (16-20). In all groups, serum aminotransferases, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), total protein, albumin, prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were tested and statistically analysed. Results: Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and GGT were positively correlated with the duration of alcohol dependence. Serum albumin and total protein were negatively correlated. A U-shaped relationship between duration of alcohol dependence and serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was observed. Discussion: Alanine, aspartate, GGT, ALP and bilirubin are parameters assessing liver function. According to many studies they allow to differentiate the aetiology of liver dysfunction to alcoholic and non-alcoholic. The degree of dysfunction can be assessed on the basis of albumin concentrations and coagulation parameters. Conclusions: The adverse effect of chronic alcohol abuse on liver function is observed even after 1-5 years of dependence. After this time the damage of hepatocytes is almost evident. After 16 years of alcohol dependence, liver function is seriously impaired, as is shown in a greatly reduced concentration of total protein and albumin. Negative alcohol effect on the liver is also seen in impaired clotting.