Alcohol consumption and the risk of cirrhosis

To determine risk levels for the development of cirrhosis in Australian men who consume alcohol and to compare this risk with that of Australian women.

A case-control study using an interview technique, based in two major tertiary referral hospitals in Sydney.

Forty-three men with newly diagnosed cirrhosis of the liver and a total of 115 male control subjects, age matched with the case subjects. The data for women (36 cases and 99 controls) have been reported previously.

The risk of men developing cirrhosis increases significantly above the baseline when the alcohol intake exceeds 40 g per day. The risk to women is significant at a similar intake level. Dietary intake and past major illnesses appear to have no role in determining risk.

The recommended safe drinking level for men and women should be 40 g per day, as suggested by the National Health and Medical Research Council.