Alcoholic cirrhosis

Alcoholic liver cirrhosis is cirrhosis caused by long-term heavy alcohol consumption. It is the terminal stage of alcoholic liver disease and belongs to the type of portal cirrhosis. In recent years, its incidence in China has increased significantly, accounting for about 7% of cirrhosis cases, second only to cirrhosis after viral hepatitis. Long-term excessive drinking, especially of high-proof liquor, causes repeated fatty degeneration, necrosis, and regeneration of hepatocytes, ultimately leading to cirrhosis. The occurrence of alcoholic liver cirrhosis is related to the drinking pattern, gender, genetic factors, nutritional status, and whether there is concurrent hepatitis virus infection. A single episode of heavy drinking is more harmful than drinking small amounts in divided doses, and daily drinking is more harmful than intermittent drinking. Women who drink are more prone to alcoholic liver disease than men. Malnutrition, protein deficiency, and concurrent chronic hepatitis B or C virus infection all increase the risk of cirrhosis.