World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

A PILOT STUDY ON CLINICAL PROFILE AND TREATMENT PATTERN OF ALCOHOLIC LIVER DISEASE PATIENTS AT A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL

Kodandaraman Thoti*, Hari Keerthana T., Jagadeesh K., Madhavi V. and Lakshmi P.

ABSTRACT

The liver is one of the largest and most important organ for the well-functioning of other organs, because it performs multiple functions such as production of proteins and enzymes, detoxification, metabolic functions, and the regulation of cholesterol and blood clotting. The liver is primarily responsible for alcohol metabolism; it is especially vulnerable to alcohol related injury which alters the normal homeostasis of the liver. Liver disease is of course only one aspect of the health burden caused by alcohol abuse. Although alcoholism is associated with causation of multiple diseases, alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is the most common cause of mortality. The diagnosis of ALD is based on drinking history, physical signs and symptoms, and laboratory tests. ALD is a complex disease, the successful management of which hinges on the integration of all the competences in public health, epidemiology, addiction behavior and alcohol induced organ injury. Treatment strategies include life style changes to reduce alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking and obesity; nutrition therapy; and pharmacological therapy. Rational drug prescribing can be defined as appropriate drugs prescribed in the right dose, at correct time intervals and for a sufficient duration. Prescribers should be aware of the way in which drug response can be affected in patients with liver disease, in order to ensure safe and effective therapy. This study was carried out to evaluate comorbidities, complications and treatment pattern in general medicine department to improve awareness among physicians and society.

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