Overview
Liver disease is a group of disorders that affect the liver and can impair one or more of its many important functions.
Chronic liver disease refers to conditions that cause liver inflammation, fibrosis, and eventually cirrhosis over time. Common causes include viral hepatitis (such as hepatitis B and C), alcohol-related liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), autoimmune hepatitis, and genetic disorders. Symptoms can include fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain and swelling, easy bruising and bleeding, weight loss, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite.
How is it diagnosed?
- Blood tests: Liver function tests, viral hepatitis serology, and other blood tests can assess liver function and identify specific causes of liver disease.
- Imaging studies: Ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can evaluate liver size, texture, and the presence of cirrhosis or complications such as ascites or hepatic nodules.
- Liver biopsy: A sample of liver tissue is obtained using a needle and examined under a microscope to assess the degree of inflammation, fibrosis, and cirrhosis.
How is it treated?
Treatment may involve antiviral medications for viral hepatitis, lifestyle modifications (e.g., weight loss, alcohol cessation) for NAFLD/NASH, immunosuppressive therapy for autoimmune hepatitis, and chelation therapy for certain genetic disorders. Medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms such as itching, fatigue, or complications like ascites or hepatic encephalopathy. For end-stage liver disease or liver failure, liver transplantation may be considered as a definitive treatment option.
References
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Cirrhosis. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/cirrhosis
Reuben, A. (2020). Understanding the Pathogenesis of Varices in Chronic Liver Disease. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7101678/
Garcia-Tsao, G., & Abraldes, J. G. (2021). Prevention and Management of Gastroesophageal Varices and Variceal Hemorrhage in Cirrhosis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7811169/
