Prognosis in Acute Liver Disease of the Alcoholic Patient

Abstract

ACUTE liver disease of the alcoholic patient has been well described in recent years.^{1 2 3 4} Most studies have correlated the clinical course with histologce findings on liver biopsy or autopsy. In clinical practice, however, liver biopsy of patients who are ill is often unsafe, and other guides to prognosis must be sought. We have reviewed the hospital records of all alcoholic patients with acute liver disease admitted to the Second and Fourth (Harvard) Medical Services, Boston City Hospital, from January 1, 1960, through December 31, 1963. Particular attention has been paid to the symptoms and physical signs on admission and the . . .