Abstract

MORALES PERNALETE, Adaucio; MARIN, Maria G; CASTILLO, Yhonny  and  TIRADO, Elena. Prevalencia de la enfermedad hepatica alcoholica y algunos factores de riesgo en pacientes que acuden a los ambulatorios de Barquisimeto. Gac Méd Caracas. [online]. 2008, vol.116, n.4, pp.299-306. ISSN 0367-4762.

A research to determine the prevalence of alcoholic liver disease and some risk factors in patients who visit the outpatient centers of Barquisimeto, Lara State, was carried out. The sample was made up of 268 individuals between 18 and 65 years old, both male and female, without any previous liver pathologies. The general prevalence of alcoholic liver disease was 3.7 % and 2.2 % for non-cirrhotic alcoholic liver disease, for non-cirrhotic  alcoholic liver disease with suspected cirrhosis 1.12 % and 0.38 % for cirrhotic alcoholic liver disease, being always predominated in male individuals. In patients with highrisk consumption, the results were threefold. In conclusion, the prevalence of alcoholic liver disease and non-cirrhotic alcoholic liver disease were above those internationally reported. This is due to, probably, the increased frequency of high-risk consumption. Analytic observational studies are required to confirm the previous affirmation as well as the results related with the greater risk that apparently was demonstrated by men over women.

Keywords : Prevalence; Alcohol; Risk; Liver disease.