Observations on Patients with Laennec's Cirrhosis Receiving Alcohol While on Controlled Diets

Abstract

One hundred and ninety-eight CC of 55% ethanol was administered daily to 19 patients with moderately severe Laennec''s cirrhosis for a period of 2 months, during which time observations were made on their clinical state, on laboratory tests of hepatic function, and microscopic appearance of the liver. In 15 patients fed alcohol and a nutritious diet containing 100 to 120 g. protein there were no apparent ill effects. In general thse patients made steady improvement. In 4 patients fed alcohol and a diet restricted in protein (30 g) there was no clinical improvement, but possibly slight deterioration. Whether these changes were due to the restricted intake of protein, to toxic effects of alcohol or to a combination of factors was not ascertained from this small group. Under the conditions of this study patients with moderately severe Laennec''s cirrhosis were not abnormally sensitive to the toxic effects of alcohol.