UPMC Alcohol-Related Liver Disease Clinic

What Is Alcohol-Related Liver Disease (ALD)?

ALD occurs when the liver becomes damaged from excessive alcohol use over a long time. The liver's condition can worsen if not treated, or if you don't stop drinking.

In the early stages of ALD, there are no symptoms, so the disease could go undetected without testing.

As the disease worsens, your liver may scar and cause cirrhosis.

In the advanced stages of ALD, scarring can lead to decreased liver function. You may need advanced treatments or even a liver transplant.

Doctors at the UPMC Alcohol-Related Liver Disease Clinic assess, diagnose, and treat ALD.

To make an appointment for ALD, call 412-647-1170 or fill out our contact form.

Alcohol-Related Liver Disease Risks, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

You may be more at risk for ALD if you:

• Have a history of heavy drinking.
• Routinely have more than two alcoholic drinks per day.
• Have a family history of liver disease or drinking problems.
• If you have ALD, you may be at increased risk for liver cancer.

ALD symptoms

When left untreated, ALD can cause:

• Ascites — fluid build-up in the stomach.
• Bleeding from varices — enlarged veins in the esophagus.
• Cirrhosis — scarring of the liver that can lead to end-stage liver disease or liver failure.
• Hepatic encephalopathy — compromised brain function due to toxin build-up.
• Hepatic hydrothorax — fluid between the chest and lungs.
• Hepatorenal syndrome — decline in kidney function or kidney failure.
• Jaundice — yellow color in your eyes and skin due to liver failure.

Tests to help diagnose ALD

Your doctor will first do a blood test to find out if other conditions are causing liver damage.

They may also:

• Perform a non-invasive scan to screen your liver.
• Do a biopsy to study a tissue sample from your liver.
• Order more tests to learn more about your liver's health.

We will also look for signs of depression, stress, or trauma that may be triggers for excessive drinking.

Alcohol-Related Liver Disease Treatments

ALD treatment options include medicine, counseling, and even transplant surgery if you're in liver failure.

Medicine to treat ALD

In the early stages of liver damage from ALD, liver medications are not useful.

The most important goal is to get and stay sober. And there are some medicines that manage alcohol cravings to help you reach this goal.

In cases of advanced liver disease, your doctor might prescribe:

• Steroids to reduce swelling in the liver.
• Water pills to help your body get rid of excess fluids.
• Vitamin K and blood pressure drugs to prevent bleeding from varices.

Mental health counseling

Counseling can help treat the underlying causes of your alcohol use.

Treatments can include:

• Cognitive therapy.
• Mindfulness meditation.
• Motivational counseling.
• Stress-control technique training.

Liver transplant surgery

If ALD progresses to alcoholic cirrhosis or hepatitis, you may have liver failure and need a liver transplant.

During surgery, doctors replace your liver with a healthy liver from a living or deceased donor.

Why Choose UPMC for Alcohol-Related Liver Disease Treatment?

Early diagnosis of ALD is vital.

At the UPMC Alcohol-Related Liver Disease Clinic:

• Our experts work with you to learn the root cause of your ALD and then provide focused treatment options.
• Our behavioral health specialist, Kristen Radage, LSW, has extensive expertise in helping people with ALD achieve sobriety.
• We also partner with experts at the UPMC Liver Cancer Center and UPMC Liver Transplant Program. This ensures you receive seamless, quality care no matter what stage or how severe your illness is.

Contact the UPMC Alcohol-Related Disease Clinic

To make an appointment or get a referral for ALD care:

• Fill out our request an appointment form.
• Call 1-412-647-1170.
• Email us.