Possible relationship between the rate of ethanol metabolism and the severity of hepatic damage in chronic alcoholics

Abstract
The rate of ethanol metabolism (EMR) was determined in alcoholic patients with or without hepatic necrosis, steatosis, and/or cirrhosis. Fifty six cases were studied after 9–25 days of abstinence (mean 15 days). A significant increase in EMR (PP<0.05) was also observed. Patients with slight fibrosis but without other abnormalities in their liver biopsies and cirrhotics with overt liver failure (jaundice, ascites) showed EMR similar to controls.