Comparative analysis of Methamphetamine and Alcohol-Induced Liver Damage using Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography

Abstract

Background & Objective: Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a significant global health issue, leading to millions of deaths due to complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer. This study utilized shear wave elastography (SWE) to evaluate liver texture in individuals with alcohol and crystal meth addiction. The findings indicate that SWE effectively detects varying stages of liver fibrosis and steatosis, potentially facilitating quicker treatment and better patient outcomes for those at risk of CLD.

Methodology: A prospective study at Al-Qanat Rehabilitation Center December 2023 to May 2024, evaluated liver texture in 315 substance addicts, focusing on liver fibrosis and steatosis. Out of these, 285 patients were analyzed, categorized into alcohol-only, crystal methamphetamine-only, and both substance addicts, while 30 were excluded due to unknown substances. Each patient underwent ultrasound assessments to determine liver fibrosis and steatosis, aiming to correlate addiction type, BMI, and other factors with liver health outcomes.

Results: Study results are substantial. First; Steatosis is more common in alcoholics (56.6% S2) than in crystal methamphetamines (64.3%). Second, crystal meth addicts had more severe fibrosis than alcohol alone addicts compared to alcohol addicts and dual substance (crystal and alcohol) addicts had more fibrosis than alcohol alone or crystal meth alone addicts. Overweight and obese addicts are more likely to have moderate or severe steatosis, although there is no correlation between BMI and fibrosis.

Conclusion: Crystal methamphetamine can cause liver fibrosis without steatosis; this is facilitated by alcohol and obesity.