Vol. 1, Issue 1, Part D (2014)

Abstract
Background: Spectrum of alcoholic liver disease ranges from steatosis to steatohepatitis (alcoholic steatohepatitis) to cirrhosis. The present study was conducted to study the similarities and differences in biochemical and histologic features between NASH and ASH. Materials & Methods: It included 40 patients of ASH and 40 patients of NASH. The morphologic criteria for including cases in ASH and NASH were degree of steatosis, ballooning, portal and lobular inflammation with or without fibrosis. Clinical, biochemical and histological features were compared in both groups. Results: Bilirubin level in AST patients was 5.46 mg% and in NASH group was 2.37 mg%. The difference was significant (P<0.05). AST level in ASH group was 90.4 IU/ml and 72.2 IU/ml in NASH group. ALT was significantly higher in NASH group as compared to ASH group (104.6 IU/ml vs 76.8 IU/ml). SAP level was also significantly higher in NASH group as compared to ASH group (202.7 IU/ml vs 116 IU/ml). Comparison of steatosis, ballooning, portal inflammation, lobar inflammation and fibrosis revealed significant (P<0.05) difference in both groups. Conclusion: Alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are two forms of liver diseases. AST, ALT, SAP and bilirubin level helps in diagnosis the cases. Histologic features such as steatosis, balooning, lobar inflammation, portal inflammation and fibrosis are other differentiating features in both diseases.