For the evolution and complications of cirrhosis consult the chapter on cirrhosis in this program. Alcoholic patients with cirrhosis may suddenly die of liver failure. A superimposed hepatitis especially due to HCV is most often found in these cases. For the same reason, the incidence of carcinoma is increased in cirrhotic patients with porta-cava shunt permitting the nodules to receive more arterial blood favoring cellular growth. Obviousely alcoholics may be affected also by hemochromatosis.
Portal hypertension correlates with the degree of phlebosclerosis.
It is absorbed mostly in the duodenum and upper jejunum. Food delays absorption. High concentration in the stomach may delay gastric emptying. It is related to the water content or various tissues. It is poorly soluble in lipids, therefore a fat person has a higher blood concentration of alcohol.