[Management of acute alcoholic steatohepatitis]

Alcoholic steatohepatitis is an acute inflammatory liver disorder that often complicates the course of underlying cirrhosis. Severe alcoholic steatohepatitis, defined as a Maddrey's discriminant function greater than 32 or association with hepatic encephalopathy, carries a high short-term mortality that is significantly reduced by corticosteroids. A comprehensive work-up is necessary for the presence of concomitant infection or associated viral hepatitis. A liver biopsy must be performed to confirm the diagnosis prior to initiation of steroids. This article summarizes the management of alcoholic steatohepatitis.