[Alcoholic hepatitis].

Abstract

Alcoholic hepatitis presents as an acute hepatitis in an alcoholic. No specific laboratory tests for alcoholic hepatitis exist. Therefore, the diagnosis must be based on the clinical presentation, histology and exclusion of other causes of a similar clinical picture such as viruses and drugs. Patients with elevated bilirubin, encephalopathy and coagulopathy have a poor prognosis. Steroids, infusion of insulin and glucagon, supplementation of amino-acids and other experimental therapies do not appear to be helpful with the exception of steroids which may benefit the sickest patients. Long-term prognosis depends on the extent of cirrhotic changes present after the acute episode and on the drinking habits of the patient.