Public Release Type:
Journal
Publication Year: 2009
Authors:
Brunt EM,
Dunn W,
McCullough AJ,
Sanyal AJ,
Schwimmer JB,
Tonascia J,
Unalp A
Studies:
Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as a possible risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Modest alcohol consumption reduces the risk for cardiovascular mortality; however, excessive alcohol can cause alcoholic fatty liver disease. Therefore, whether patients with NAFLD should abstain or be allowed modest alcohol consumption remains an important clinical issue. In a cross-sectional analysis of patients with well characterized NAFLD, we evaluated the association between modest alcohol drinking and presence and severity of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).