Digestive System

Hepatitis A is an infectious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus which is transmitted through contaminated food and water. The disease is thus associated with poor sanitation and hygiene. It is often a self-limiting disease that does not result in chronic infection and is rarely fatal. Most of the adults have a resolution […]

Liver function tests are blood tests that are used to diagnose and monitor liver disease. An individual liver function test by itself has neither high sensitivity nor specificity. However, when interpreted together along with the clinical symptoms of the patient, they provide useful information about the condition of the liver. In addition, they may also […]

Hepatorenal syndrome refers to the development of renal failure in patients with severe liver disease. It is a life-threatening condition with poor prognosis. The hepatorenal syndrome occurs in about 4% of patients admitted with decompensated cirrhosis. About 30% of people with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis are at risk of hepatorenal syndrome. Estimates indicate that at least […]

Hepatic encephalopathy is a spectrum of neural and behavioral symptoms like changes in personality, cognitive impairment and depression of consciousness in patients with the liver disorder [in absence of any brain lesion – encephalopathy means disease of brain per se, hepatic means pertaining to liver.] It is most commonly associated with cirrhosis and liver failure. […]

Liver disease is a common term that includes any condition that affects the liver. There is a spectrum of diseases that can affect the organ. These conditions develop due to different causes but affect the liver to produce liver damage and a profile of symptoms and signs that suggests liver involvement. Brief About Structure and […]

Chylous ascites is a less common form of ascites resulting from a collection of lymph in the abdominal cavity due to an interruption in the lymphatic system. It is also called milky ascites because of the milky appearance of the fluid. By definition, the presence of more than 200 mg per dl triglycerides in ascitic […]

MELD is the short form for the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease, a scoring system that is used for gauging prognosis and determining priority for receipt of a liver transplant. The score was developed at Mayo’s clinic to predict mortality within three months of surgery in patients who had undergone a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt […]

Liver fibrosis or hepatic fibrosis is an aggressive wound healing, often triggered by chronic injury and resulting in excessive connective tissue in the liver. In simple terms, it means scarring in response to liver injury. Liver fibrosis itself does not cause any symptoms but can lead to portal hypertension or cirrhosis. Various types of chronic […]

Heartburn is a symptom of Gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is the painful burning sensation described by person having gastroesophageal reflux disease caused by stomach acid refluxes up into esophagus. This pain is felt behind the sternum or breastbone, either as a spasm or a sharp pain. The pain often rises in the chest and may […]

Scurvy is a state of dietary deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). It is called Barlow’s disease in infants. Scurvy is uncommon now but can affect adults and children with poor nutrition. Although scurvy can occur at any age, the incidence of scurvy peaks in children aged 6-12 months and elderly populations. Scurvy is uncommon […]