There’s been a 21% increase in liver cirrhosis since 2019 and it’s not always linked to drink, says expert

There’s been a 21% increase in liver cirrhosis since 2019 and it’s not always linked to drink, says expert

Deaths from liver disease have soared by 21% compared to 2019 and by almost two-thirds over the last 20 years. A leading expert warns the signs are not obvious and harmful drinking is far from the only cause.

Deaths from liver disease (primarily cirrhosis of the liver) have soared by 64% over the last 20 years and by 21% between 2019 and 2021 alone, according to new analysis by London Medical Laboratory. A leading expert says that, while the over-consumption of alcohol is the primary cause of the rise in cases, there are other potential causes. He cautions that early symptoms are largely invisible and anyone concerned should ensure that they are tested as quickly as possible.

Dr Avi Hari Narayanan (MBChB), Clinical Lead at London Medical Laboratory, says: ‘In the UK, there are more than 10,000 deaths due to liver disease each year. That’s more than 27 preventable deaths every day. Cirrhosis is scarring or fibrosis of the liver caused by long-term or recurrent damage resulting in permanent, irreversible disease. The scar tissue prevents the liver from working properly. This can lead to liver failure and serious complications that can be life-threatening.

‘In the UK, the chief cause of cirrhosis of the liver is too much alcohol over many years. Around 1 in 5 people (18–24%) in the UK drink over the Chief Medical Officer’s low-risk guideline limit of 14 units per week. In England alone, 1.9 million people have reported drinking at harmful levels that could cause liver disease.

‘However, while this may be the most common cause of cirrhosis, it is not the only one. Suffering from hepatitis over a long time is also a cause and, in particular, secondary hepatitis B or C viral infections.

‘There is also a severe form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease that can cause the condition. It’s called “non-alcoholic steatohepatitis” when the liver becomes inflamed from a build-up of excess fat. 

‘A major concern is that, at first, cirrhosis symptoms are largely invisible. However, as the condition develops people may experience the following symptoms:

• Feeling tired and weak
• Feeling nauseous
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of weight and muscle mass
• Red patches on your palms
• Small, spiderlike blood vessels on your skin

‘As the condition progresses in severity, common symptoms include:

• Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
• Vomiting blood
• Itchy skin
• Dark urine
• Tarry-looking poo
• Bleeding easily
• Swollen legs and tummy from a build-up of fluid
• Loss of libido

‘If cirrhosis of the liver is suspected, patients will initially have a blood test. This may then progress to a biopsy of the liver. The good news is that, if identified in good time, treatment may be able to stop cirrhosis from getting worse.

‘Anyone who is concerned that they may be suffering from the condition should consult their GP. Alternatively, a simple blood test can identify liver problems. For example, London Medical Laboratory’s General Health Profile includes a check of liver function. The liver is one of the most complex and vital organs in the body. It does a wide range of things including removing toxins and poisons – like alcohol.

‘One of the markers the test looks for is Alanine Transaminase. The ALT test, also known as Alanine Aminotransferase test, measures the levels of an enzyme called alanine aminotransferase in the blood. When the liver is damaged or inflamed, it releases this enzyme into the bloodstream. Therefore, the ALT test can indicate if there is any liver damage or disease present.

‘High levels of ALT may suggest liver conditions like hepatitis (inflammation of the liver), cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) or fatty liver disease. It can also be a sign of certain medications or alcohol abuse affecting the liver. Detecting abnormal ALT levels can help diagnose liver problems early on, allowing for timely treatment and prevention of further damage. Interpreting liver function accurately will require a panel of blood markers dubbed the “liver function test”. Having this blood test will help us understand our liver health and provide further information on abnormal liver function.

‘London Medical Laboratory’s General Health Profile blood test can be taken at home through the post, or at one of the many drop-in clinics that offer these tests across London and nationwide in over 120 selected pharmacies and health stores. For full details, see: https://www.londonmedicallaboratory.com/product/general-health