Obesity and alcohol linked to liver disease rise

Liver disease fatalities are still on the rise through a combination of obesity, alcohol and hepatitis.

However alcohol consumption is actually falling and has declined every year since 2002.

Binge drinking stories have proved a rich source of news for tabloid editors, but, over past five years the number of young men drinking more than the recommended 21 units a week has actually dropped.

This figure fell from 31% to 26%, and the proportion of women drinking more than 14 units a week fell from 21% to 17%. There has also been a sizeable shift from beer drinking – which is suffering a sales slump – to spirits.

Recently released research has shown that alcoholic liver disease accounts for 37% of liver disease deaths. The findings are aimed at commissioners and providers of end of life care for patients with liver disease.

The report by the National End of Life Care Intelligence Network said more deaths were in men, with the highest number of fatalities in the north west. The number of people who died from liver disease rose from 9,231 in 2001 to 11,575 in 2009, it said.

Although deaths from all liver disease is still rising, deaths from alcoholic liver disease fell for the first time in 2009, from 4,400 in2008 to 4,154 in 2009.

Some key findings in the research include; liver disease causes approximately 2% of all deaths, the number of people who die from liver disease in England is rising (from 9,231 in 2001 to 11,575, in 2009), More men than women die from liver disease (60% are men, 40% women), Alcoholic liver disease accounts for 37% of liver disease deaths.

The Department of Health intends to launch a liver strategy that will tackle both problem alcohol drinking and over eating.

The department commented: “These figures are a stark reminder of the preventable damage that eating too much and drinking too much alcohol can do.

“Urgent action is needed to halt this trend. Our upcoming liver strategy will set out our plans on this issue, drawing on our plans to tackle problem drinking and obesity.”

Liver disease can be described as a “silent” disease, so the figures currently being witnessed could be linked to heavy alcoholic consumption a decade ago that is beginning to manifest itself, which also explains the rise despite the current downward trend in consumption.

Claire Henry, director of the National End of Life Care Programme, said: “Clinicians caring for people with liver disease need to be having conversations with them about end of life care.

“This is exceptionally challenging for those with liver disease, who are often younger, come from ethnically diverse or deprived backgrounds, and may feel stigma associated with the disease.

“It is additionally complicated for those dying of alcohol-related liver disease, who may also have mental health or drug dependence problems, and little family or social support.”