Liver Disease Progression

Deaths from cirrhosis increased by 65% between 1999 and 2016. The age of cirrhosis diagnosis is dropping, with 25-year-olds now being diagnosed with a condition previously associated with people in their 40s–60s. Fat in the liver generates oxidative stress and recruits the immune system, producing a self-reinforcing cycle of inflammation and further enzyme depletion. Symptoms are absent or minimal for most of liver disease progression, with advanced damage occurring before symptoms become obvious. End-stage liver failure produces ascites, a protruding belly filled with fluid, which is a late and serious presentation requiring medical intervention. Alcoholic hepatitis typically begins within 5 years of regular heavy drinking. Cirrhosis generally develops after 5 to 10 or more years of sustained heavy drinking.