Which sign is commonly associated with advanced liver disease from chronic alcohol use?

• A. Hypothyroidism
• B. Ascites
• C. Hypoglycemia
• D. Osteoporosis

Answer: (B)

Advanced liver disease from chronic alcohol use often progresses to cirrhosis with portal hypertension and reduced production of albumin. This combination causes fluid to accumulate in the abdomen, producing ascites. It’s a hallmark sign of decompensated cirrhosis and reflects both increased pressure in the portal system and decreased oncotic pressure from low albumin.

Other options aren’t as characteristic: hypothyroidism isn’t typically linked to liver failure; hypoglycemia can occur when liver function is severely impaired because the liver performs gluconeogenesis, but it’s not the most specific sign of advanced liver disease; osteoporosis can accompany chronic liver disease due to malnutrition and vitamin D issues, but ascites best signals advanced hepatic deterioration in this context.