Complete abstinence from alcohol restores liver function in cirrhosis.
Complete abstinence from alcohol can lead to the restoration of liver function even in patients with severe alcoholic cirrhosis. This conclusion was reached by scientists from the Medical University of Vienna after conducting an international study involving patients from Europe and Asia. The results were published in the Journal of Hepatology (JH).
The study included 633 individuals with alcoholic liver cirrhosis who had already developed serious complications of the disease. All patients subsequently completely stopped consuming alcohol. Over the next five years, about one-third of them experienced what is known as recompensation — the disappearance of cirrhosis complications and simultaneous improvement in liver function.
Liver cirrhosis is accompanied by the formation of scar tissue and has long been considered irreversible in the later stages, especially after complications arise. However, new data shows that with early and sustained abstinence from alcohol, the course of the disease can partially reverse.
Additionally, patients who achieved restoration of liver function and continued to maintain sobriety had significantly reduced risks of liver cancer and overall mortality. According to the researchers, the results highlight the key role of complete and permanent abstinence from alcohol as the most effective treatment measure for alcoholic liver damage.
