Evaluation of Autonomic Neuropathy in Chronic Alcoholic Liver Disease

Background Autonomic neuropathy (AN) is quiet common in chronic alcoholic liver disease. Long term alcohol consumption may produce wide ranging effect on almost all body tissues, including the autonomic and peripheral nervous systems. Clinical symptoms of autonomic failure generally appear when the polyneuropathy is severe. Objective To study the prevalence of autonomic dysfunction in patients with chronic alcoholic liver disease and its correlation with Child Turcotte- Pugh score. Materials and Methods A cross sectional study was done on 80 patients of chronic alcoholic liver disease. Apart from clinical examination and routine investigation, polyrite was used to carry out autonomic function test. Results Out of 80 patients autonomic dysfunction was observed in 58 (72.5 %) patients. Early autonomic involvement was found in 30 (37.5 %), definite involvement in 10 (12.5 %), severe involvement in 18 (22.5 %) patients. Conclusion Autonomic neuropathy is common in chronic alcoholic liver disease and its severity increases with increase in Child Turcotte- Pugh score.