Alcoholic Liver Disease: Implications for the Advanced Practice Provider

Abstract

Alcoholic liver disease is a largely preventable condition that contributes to mortality in the United States and worldwide. This article discusses the pathogenesis, risk factors, diagnosis, screening tools, clinical presentation, and predictors of mortality. Medical management using the most recent clinical guidelines from the 2018 American College of Gastroenterology and the American Gastroenterological Association Institute are reviewed. Supportive care, abstinence promotion, cognitive behavioral therapy, nutritional needs, pharmacotherapy, alcohol withdrawal management, intensive care, and liver transplantation are discussed, as well as future research directions. Finally, practice implications to better address this population’s needs using a multidisciplinary approach are addressed.