alcoholic hepatitis meaning

[Medicine]
An acute or chronic degenerative and inflammatory lesion of the liver in the alcoholic which is potentially progressive though sometimes reversible. It does not necessarily include steatosis,fibrosis,or cirrhosis of alcoholics,although it is frequently associated with these conditions. It is characterized by liver cell necrosis,infiltration by polymorphonuclear leukocytes and lymphocytes,and Mallory bodies. The morphologic changes of chronic alcoholic hepatitis are not likely to be confused with chronic hepatitis (HEPATITIS,CHRONIC).

• alcoholic,chronic hepatitis:    [Medicine]An acute ...
• chronic alcoholic hepatitis:    [Medicine]An acute ...
• alcoholic:    Adjective: alcohol ...

Examples

More:   Next

1. long-term overuse of alcohol, for example, can cause alcoholic hepatitis.
2. alcoholic hepatitis-hepatitis with unique pathologic liver injury varying widely in severity and caused by chronic, heavy alcohol ingestion
3. In alcoholic hepatitis, chronic excess alcohol use is the culprit.
4. Severe alcoholic hepatitis has a poor prognosis and is notoriously difficult to treat.
5. Alcoholic hepatitis is distinct from cirrhosis caused by long-term alcohol consumption.