Gaps in Knowledge and Research Priorities for Alcoholic Hepatitis

Abstract

Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is a clinical syndrome that was classically characterized by increasing jaundice, hepatomegaly, fever, neutrophilia, and an aspartate aminotransferase (AST):alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio of >2. It is a major cause of liver-related hospitalizations in those with a history of heavy alcohol consumption and is also a leading etiology associated with recurrent hospitalizations. Unfortunately, despite its clinical relevance, there are many gaps in knowledge related to this syndrome that represent barriers to the development of effective preventive surveillance, early detection, and therapeutic strategies. This article summarizes the gaps in knowledge and identifies research priorities to fill these gaps.