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Hepatic encephalopathy coexistent with alcoholism.
R E Tarter1, A M Arria, D H Van Thiel
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pennsylvania 15213.
Recent Developments in Alcoholism : an Official Publication of the American Medical Society on Alcoholism, the Research Society on Alcoholism, and the National Council on Alcoholism
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Chronic alcohol abuse causes neurological damage, with liver disease significantly contributing to central nervous system (CNS) disturbances in alcoholics. Treating alcoholic liver disease may restore cognitive functions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Hepatology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Alcoholism frequently leads to neurological compromise, but the causes of central nervous system (CNS) disturbances are not fully understood.
- Ethanol is a known neurotoxin, and other factors associated with alcohol abuse likely contribute to neurological injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence linking liver disease to neurological pathology in chronic alcoholics.
- To highlight the role of liver disease as a factor in CNS disturbances associated with alcoholism.
Main Methods:
- Review of emerging research on liver disease and neurological deficits in alcoholics.
- Comparison of cognitive deficits in alcoholics and non-alcoholics with cirrhosis.
- Correlation analysis between biochemical liver injury indices and cognitive performance.
Main Results:
- Cognitive deficits in alcoholics resemble those in non-alcoholics with cirrhosis.
- Biochemical markers of liver injury correlate with cognitive test performance in alcoholics.
- Liver transplantation has shown potential to reverse neuropsychological deficits.
Conclusions:
- Advanced liver disease is a significant determinant of CNS pathology in chronic alcoholics.
- Aggressive treatment of alcoholic liver disease is crucial for restoring cognitive abilities.
- Improved cognitive function may enhance psychosocial adjustment in alcoholics.