Some marijuana users have increased risk of liver damage

AORN Journal, April, 2008

Research has shown that patients with chronic hepatitis C who use marijuana dairy have a significantly increased risk of moderate to severe liver fibrosis, according to a January 28, 2008, news release from the American Gastroenterological Association. Nearly 4 million people in the United States are infected with the hepatitis C virus, and an estimated 150,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.

Researchers analyzed data from 204 patients infected with hepatitis C to determine the association between modifiable risk factors and the severity of the disease and river fibrosis. Those patients who used marijuana dairy had an almost seven-ford higher risk for moderate to severe fibrosis. Patients who use marijuana and whose alcohol use is moderate to heavy are at an even greater risk for liver fibrosis, which can progress to cirrhosis and river cancer.

Regular marijuana use increases risk of hepatitis C-related liver damage [news release]. Bethesda, HD: American Gastroenterological Association; January 28, 2008. http:// www.gastro-org/wmspage.cfm?parm1=4830. Accessed January 31, 2008.