Excessive alcohol consumption is one of the key contributors to serious health problems, especially when it comes to liver damage. Although doctors traditionally assess alcohol intake through self-reporting by patients, new research suggests that this approach is not reliable enough. A blood test that measures the biomarker phosphatidylethanol (PEth) could represent a breakthrough in the early detection of alcohol-related liver diseases.

Early detection is key to success

Liver fibrosis, a condition that occurs due to the accumulation of scar tissue in the liver, can be halted or even reversed if detected early. However, the traditional method of assessing alcohol consumption through discussions with patients has proven to be unreliable. Many patients either underestimate the amount of alcohol they consume or simply cannot remember how much they have drunk. This presents a significant challenge in medical practice, as an accurate assessment of alcohol intake can significantly impact the treatment outcome.

What is PEth and why is it important?

The biomarker phosphatidylethanol (PEth) is directly measured in the blood and allows doctors to more precisely determine the risk of liver fibrosis. According to research conducted at the University of California, San Francisco, PEth provides far more reliable data than self-reported information from patients. This research, the largest to date examining the link between PEth and liver disease risk, involved over 4,000 participants from different parts of the world, including the U.S., Russia, Uganda, and South Africa.

The results showed that PEth has a high correlation with the Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index, a risk measure for liver fibrosis based on a combination of the patient's age and results from several blood tests. On the other hand, self-reported alcohol consumption showed a significantly weaker correlation with the FIB-4 index, confirming the limitations of traditional assessment methods.

How can PEth improve medical practice?

The use of the PEth biomarker in routine medical practice could enable doctors to identify patients at higher risk of liver damage more quickly and accurately. This opens the door for timely interventions, such as counseling on reducing alcohol intake and changing dietary habits. For example, reducing sugar, fat, and salt intake could further contribute to halting or even reversing fibrosis.

A new era in diagnostics

PEth has the potential to become a standard part of routine blood tests, alongside tests for cholesterol and blood sugar levels. This would not only improve liver disease diagnosis but also allow better tracking of treatment outcomes. Experts believe that this approach will raise awareness about the severity of excessive alcohol consumption and encourage earlier treatment.

Dr. Pamela Murnane, the lead author of the study and an associate professor of epidemiology and biostatistics, emphasized the importance of precise measurement: "To effectively prevent and treat liver disease, we must have accurate data on alcohol consumption. Our current practice of self-reporting is clearly insufficient."

Health benefits and global impact

The introduction of PEth testing would not only improve treatment in developed countries but could also have a significant impact on public health in middle and low-income regions. With the global alcohol epidemic and the rise in liver-related diseases, this tool offers a universal solution that could save millions of lives.

As increasing numbers of studies confirm the value of PEth, the question remains when this biomarker will be integrated into standard medical protocols. It is clear that this innovative approach can make a significant difference in the fight against liver disease and related mortality.

Source: University of California