Liver disease: NHS Doctor talks about link with alcohol
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Neurological deficits associated with liver disease may affect the peripheral nervous system and other systems in the body. This may increase a person’s risk of cancer, experience recurring infections or other associated neurological defects.
In a study published in Frontiers in Paediatrics, analysed progressive liver disease in patients with ataxia telangiectasia.
Ataxia-telangiectasia is a hereditary condition characterised by progressive neurologic problems that lead to difficulty walking and an increased risk of developing various types of cancer.
The study noted: “Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) is a devastating multi-system disorder characterised by progressive cerebellar ataxia, immunodeficiency, genetic instability, premature ageing and growth retardation.”
The study included 67 patients aged one to 38 years with classical A-T.
At least two measurements of liver enzymes were performed within a minimum interval of six months in 56 patients.
The median follow-up period was four years with a total of 316 liver enzyme measurements being performed.
For analysis, patients were divided into two age groups, in addition, ultrasound of the liver were analysed.
“We found significantly higher levels of alpha-fetoprotein and liver enzymes like ALT in patients in group 2,” said the study.
Ultrasound revealed hepatic steatosis in 57.9 percent patients in group 2.
One female patient aged 37 years died due to a hepato-cellular carcinoma (HCC).
“Liver disease is present in the majority of older A-T patients,” found the research.
“Structural changes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and fibrosis are frequent findings.
“Progress of liver disease is concomitant to neurological deterioration.”
Ataxia teleangiectasia is a rare devastating human recessive disorder characterised by progressive cerebellar ataxia, immunodeficiency, chromosomal instability and cancer susceptibility, added WCG CenterWatch, the trusted source of clinical trials information.
“The immunodeficiency is expressed by recurring infections.
“Additionally, the patients suffer from a fatty liver with increased transaminases and have the risk for a cirrhosis of the liver and a hepatocellular carcinoma.
“It’s known that the dimension of the liver disease affects susceptibility to infection.
“Nevertheless, there are only a few studies treating this problem,” said CenterWatch.
One system indirectly impacted by liver disease is the central nervous system, and most specifically the brain.
During an acute or chronic hepatitis infection, toxic substances from the liver can accumulate in the bloodstream and spread throughout the body.
When these substances enter the brain, they can cause a neurological condition
Neurological syndromes commonly occur in patients with liver disease.
A neurological syndrome associated with a liver disease may be a complication of the disease, it may be induced by a factor that also contributes to the disease for example, alcohol.
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