Inflammation, Immune Activation and Portal Hypertension in Alcoholic Hepatitis

Inflammation, Immune Activation and Portal Hypertension in Alcoholic Hepatitis. A Pato-etiological Study With Focus on the Endotoxin Pathway.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of endotoxins and the endotoxin mediated immune activation pathway in patients with alcoholic hepatitis. Also, to determine the effect of Liver assist (liver dialyses) intervention on these parameters in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis.

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients with alcoholic hepatitis based on the following criteria

• Alcohol intake for 6 consecutive months above 40g /day, at admission or 3 months earlier.
• Serum bilirubin level above 80 mmol/l
• exclusion of other types of liver disease.
• Liver biopsy when diagnosis is unclear.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Heart failure
• Pregnancy
• non fluent danish speakers