Contents
Diagnosing Alcoholic Hepatitis: What Tests Do Doctors Use?
Published: Sep 28, 2024
Diagnosing alcoholic hepatitis can be challenging, but it's crucial for proper treatment. Doctors use a combination of methods to confirm the condition and assess its severity.
Blood Tests: The First Step
Blood tests are usually the first diagnostic tool. Doctors look for elevated liver enzymes, particularly AST and ALT, with AST typically higher than ALT. They also check bilirubin levels, which can indicate how well the liver is functioning. Other important markers include the prothrombin time, which measures blood clotting ability, and serum albumin levels.
Imaging Tests: Looking Inside
Imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI can help doctors visualize the liver. These tests can show if the liver is enlarged or has a fatty appearance, both common in alcoholic hepatitis. They can also help rule out other causes of liver problems, such as tumors or gallstones.
Liver Biopsy: The Gold Standard
While not always necessary, a liver biopsy is the most definitive way to diagnose alcoholic hepatitis. In this procedure, a small sample of liver tissue is removed and examined under a microscope. It can show characteristic features of alcoholic hepatitis, such as inflammation and fat accumulation in liver cells.
Severity Scoring Systems
Once diagnosed, doctors use scoring systems to assess the severity of alcoholic hepatitis. The most common are the Maddrey Discriminant Function and the MELD score. These scores help predict outcomes and guide treatment decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's often not required if other tests are conclusive.
Blood test results are usually available within hours to days.
Early stages may not show significant changes in tests.
Most are painless, except liver biopsy which may cause discomfort.
Frequency depends on severity and treatment response.
Beyond Diagnosis
While these tests are crucial for diagnosis, they're also important for monitoring treatment progress and guiding long-term care.
References
- European Association for the Study of the Liver. EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines: Management of alcohol-related liver disease. J Hepatol 2018; 69:154.
- Altamirano J, Miquel R, Katoonizadeh A, et al. A histologic scoring system for prognosis of patients with alcoholic hepatitis. Gastroenterology 2014; 146:1231.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Appointments available 24/7
Top licensed doctors
Available in all 50 states
Full service care
Prescriptions, referrals & treatment
No insurance needed
All notes available in Doctronic
15-min consultation. No hidden costs.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Please Chat With Our AI Doctor First
Our AI doctor assessment helps our human doctors prepare for your video visit and provide better care
For safety reasons we have been forced to end this consultation.
If you believe this is a medical emergency please call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
If you are experiencing emotional distress, please call the the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or your local crisis services immediately.
Contact us
You can also email us at help@doctronic.ai
We aim to reply within 5-7 days
How likely are you to recommend Doctronic to friends or family?