Alcoholic hepatitis

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In gastroenterology, alcoholic hepatitis is "inflammation of the liver due to alcohol abuse. It is characterized by necrosis of hepatocytes, infiltration by neutrophils, and deposit of mallory hyaline bodies. depending on its severity, the inflammatory lesion may be reversible or progress to liver cirrhosis."[1]A practice guideline is available from the American College of Gastroenterology.[2]

Treatment

Corticosteroids may help in severe cases.[3]

The role of pentoxifylline is uncertain.[4]

References