A World Liver Day Initiative

A World Liver Day Initiative Excess alcohol bad for the liver • On World Liver Day, IMA warns that excess alcohol is responsible for fatty liver disease in a majority of people • Lifestyle changes key to a healthy liver New Delhi, 19th April 2017: Recent WHO (World Health Organization) statistics indicate that every year, about 2 lakh people die of liver ailments around the world. As per data, fatty liver disease is the third most common cause of chronic liver disease and affects 1 in 6 individuals. Just like the brain and heart, the liver is also a crucial organ that needs to be taken care of, more so if you are a heavy drinker. It has been found that about 25,000 lives can be saved by a liver transplant. However, data shows that at present, only 1,800 liver transplants happen every year globally. As in every year, 19th April is being celebrated as the World Liver Day this year as well. The liver has a very important role in the body’s digestive system. Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, "Anything that we eat or drink, including medication, must pass through the liver. It is the second-largest organ in the body and helps filter chemicals like drugs and alcohol from the blood; regulates hormones and blood sugar levels; stores energy from the nutrients and makes blood proteins, bile and several enzymes that the body needs. Keeping the liver healthy therefore is all about a healthy lifestyle. The basic thing about taking care of the liver is to avoid what’s bad rather than eat or drink something that nourishes this organ. Alcohol does more damage to the liver cells than one can imagine. It leads to swelling or scarring, later turning into cirrhosis, and can prove fatal to life." Alcoholic cirrhosis is the most common cause of cirrhosis, accounting for 40% of liver deaths from cirrhosis. The liver helps to remove alcohol from the blood through oxidation. However, once too much alcohol has been ingested for the liver to process in a well-timed manner, the toxic substance begins to turn into 'fatty liver'. This then is the early stage of alcoholic liver disease and can be seen in about 90% of people who drink more than two ounces (60 ml) of alcohol per day. Continuing to drink similar quantities of alcohol can lead to liver fibrosis and ultimately cirrhosis. Dr K K Aggarwal adds, "Fatty liver is reversible with timely medical intervention. However, it is also important to bring about certain lifestyle changes. If ignored, this condition can cause irreversible damage with liver transplant as the only end option. Therefore, it is important to avoid intake of alcohol, eat healthy, and get regular exercise. Timely hepatitis vaccines should also be considered to avoid any sort of complications to the liver." It is important to take care of the following points to keep the liver healthy. • Eat a healthy balanced diet and exercise regularly. • Eat out of all food groups, for instance, grains, protein, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and fats. Eat fibrous food such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads, rice, and cereals. • Avoid consuming alcohol, smoking, and drugs. They can permanently damage the liver cells. • Always make sure to consult your doctor before starting a new medication. Taking incorrect combinations of medicines can lead to liver damage. • Chemicals like aerosols and cleaning products can injure liver cells and therefore it is better to avoid extensive contact with these. • Keep a check on your weight as obesity can cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Painkillers may increase risk of cardiac arrest

Painkillers may increase risk of cardiac arrest Pain is one of the most common presenting complaints of patients. And, painkillers are the most widely used drugs, whether taken OTC or prescribed. But, they have side-effects and their adverse effects on GIT, kidney, heart and liver have been well-documented. Now a new research published in the March 2017 issue of European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy has shown an association of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), especialy diclofenac and ibuprofen, to increased risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. All patients who had an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Denmark between 2001 and 2010 were identified from the nationwide Danish Cardiac Arrest Registry. Data was collected on all redeemed prescriptions for NSAIDs from Danish pharmacies since 1995. These included the non-selective NSAIDs (diclofenac, naproxen, ibuprofen), and COX-2 selective inhibitors (rofecoxib, celecoxib). A total of 28,947 patients had an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Denmark during the 10-year period. Of these, 3,376 were treated with an NSAID up to 30 days before the event. Ibuprofen and diclofenac were the most commonly used NSAIDs, making up 51% and 22% of total NSAID use, respectively. Use of any NSAID was associated with a 31% increased risk of cardiac arrest. Diclofenac and ibuprofen were associated with a 50% and 31% increased risk, respectively. Naproxen, celecoxib and rofecoxib were not associated with the occurrence of cardiac arrest, probably due to a low number of events. It is a common perception amongst the public that OTC drugs are safe because they are available over the counter. However, this study further highlights the fact that though available without a doctor’s prescription, OTC drug does not mean that it can be taken without a doctor’s advice. If not taken as directed, painkillers can cause side effects, at times potentially dangerous. (Source: ESC Press release, March 15, 2017)