Priority 11 from the Alcohol-related Liver Disease PSP

UNCERTAINTY: Are there any early signs of alcohol-related liver disease? (JLA PSP Priority 11)
Overall ranking 11
JLA question ID 0044/11
Explanatory note (including examples of original survey submissions) It is well recognised amongst liver specialists that the first time a person may know they have alcohol-related liver disease is when they come into hospital with a serious complication of advanced liver disease, an event that they may well not survive. Drinkers commonly assume no damage is occurring nor any modification of their drinking required until they experience any of the more well-known symptoms, which are in effect signs of severe and advanced liver disease. Understanding what the early warning signs of alcohol-related liver disease are was felt to be important as this then allows time for a potential change in drinking behaviour to occur at a time when this will prevent the liver disease deteriorating with potentially fatal consequences. "What are the symptoms I need to be aware of to show me I may be risking damage or liver disease?"   "What are the very early warning signs or ARLD?"     "Are there early warning markers for liver failure in heavy drinkers?"     "Are there any early behavioural/physical symptoms of ARLD?"
Evidence None identified
Health Research Classification System category Oral and Gastrointestinnal
Extra information provided by this PSP
Submitted by 4 patients, 2 carers, 7 professionals
PSP information
PSP unique ID 0044
PSP name Alcohol-related Liver Disease
Total number of uncertainties identified by this PSP. 45 (To see a full list of all uncertainties identified, please see the detailed spreadsheet held on the JLA website)
Date of priority setting workshop 16 September 2016