From the Guidelines
Abstinence from alcohol for at least 4-6 weeks is required for normalization of Liver Function Tests (LFTs).
Key Points
- The duration of abstinence required for normalization of LFTs can vary depending on the individual and the severity of liver disease 1.
- Simple, uncomplicated fatty liver is usually asymptomatic and self-limited, and may be completely reversible with abstinence after about 4-6 weeks 1.
- In cases of alcoholic hepatitis, clinical features usually resolve following abstinence, but may last more than 6 months in severe cases 1.
- Liver function tests, such as AST, ALT, and bilirubin levels, typically return to normal following several weeks of alcohol abstinence 1.
- Other biochemical markers, such as GGT and MCV, may take several months to recover following abstinence from alcohol 1.
- It is essential to note that recidivism is a major risk in all patients at any time following abstinence, with relapse rates ranging from 67%-81% over the course of 1 year 1.
From the Research
Duration of Abstinence for Normalization of LFTs
The duration of abstinence from alcohol required for normalization of Liver Function Tests (LFTs) can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of liver disease and the individual's overall health.
- Studies have shown that even a short period of abstinence can lead to significant improvements in LFTs, with one study finding that 1 month of abstinence resulted in a dramatic reduction in liver stiffness, especially in subjects with baseline values higher than 7 kPa 2.
- Another study found that 14 days of abstinence was sufficient to produce a trend towards normalization of glutathione peroxidase activity and selenium and vitamin E levels in chronic alcoholic patients without liver cirrhosis 3.
- A study of moderate alcohol consumers found that 1 month of alcohol abstinence resulted in decreased gamma-glutamyl transferase levels, which returned to baseline levels after resumption of alcohol consumption 4.
- In patients with cirrhosis, a study found that complete alcohol withdrawal for an average of 15 months led to the total reversibility of clinical and laboratory signs, including normalization of LFTs 5.
- Additionally, a study found that iron-related indexes, such as transferrin saturation percent and serum ferritin levels, returned to normal rapidly after complete alcohol withdrawal, with significant decreases observed after 7 and 14 days of abstinence 6.