Immune Cell Dysfunction in Severe Alcoholic Hepatitis
Through bio-sampling this study investigates the relationship between the frequency and function of the cells of a patients immune system and how these change and impact on the outcome of alcoholic hepatitis. the investigators will examine the role of different cells of the immune system and how they may determine the outcome of this condition. The investigators will also look at how established treatment strategies impact on the frequency and function of these cell subsets.
• Age 18-65 years
• Patients presented with severe alcoholic hepatitis with a Maddrey score (discriminant function) of \>32 (The Maddrey score uses various blood results on a patient to define the severity of alcoholic hepatitis e.g.bilirubin etc).
• Ongoing abuse of alcohol (drinking in excess of 28 units/wk)