Alcohol Consumption and Viral Hepatitis in Chronic Liver Disease in Lagos

Background: Precise assessment of the risks and interactions of alcohol consumption and viral hepatitis in the aetiology of chronic liver disease [CLD] are not locally available. Methodology: 74 patients with CLD and 74 controls were evaluated for Hepatitis B and C infection [anti-HCV, HBsAg]. The type and amount of alcohol consumed was ascertained using a questionnaire and the percentage alcohol content was calculated and reported in grams. Results: Significant alcohol consumption increases the risk of both liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. [OR=4.7, p=0.03 and OR=8.l, p=0.001 respectively]. Persons chronically infected with HBV who drink alcohol regularly have a 23 fold risk of CLD [p