Zieve's syndrome

Zieve's syndrome
Specialty	Gastroenterology

Zieve's syndrome is an acute metabolic condition that can occur during withdrawal from prolonged heavy alcohol use. It is defined by hemolytic anemia (with spur cells and acanthocytes), hyperlipoproteinemia (excessive blood lipoprotein), jaundice (elevation of unconjugated bilirubin), and abdominal pain.^[1] The underlying cause is liver delipidization. This is distinct from alcoholic hepatitis which, however, may present simultaneously or develop later.^{[citation needed]}

Diagnosis of Zieve's syndrome should be considered in patients with prolonged alcohol use (especially after an episode of binge drinking) with an elevation of unconjugated bilirubin and without obvious signs of gastrointestinal bleeding.^[2]