A liver biopsy is a procedure in which a small piece of liver tissue is removed so that it can be examined under a microscope to detect liver disease. Read more about Liver Anatomy, Structure and Function Liver biopsy is recommended if symptoms, blood tests or imaging studies suggest that the person might have liver […]
Digestive System
Primary Biliary Cholangitis (Primary Biliary Cirrhosis)
Primary biliary cholangitis is a disease where there is chronic and progressive damage to intrahepatic bile ducts leading to cholestatic disease [reduction of bile flow] It was earlier called primary biliary cirrhosis. The name was changed as the previous name reflected cirrhosis as part of the disease but cirrhosis occurs only in the late stage […]
Bioartificial Liver Device – Uses and Limitations
Bioartificial livers are extracorporeal [outside body] devices embedded hepatocytes (liver cells) that are used to perform the functions of a normal liver. The first bioartificial liver (BAL) device was developed by Dr. Kenneth Matsumara in 2001. Several types of BALs are being developed. The bioartificial liver support in combination with artificial devices is promising but […]
Acute Liver Failure – Causes, Presentation and Treatment
Acute liver failure implies is a life-threatening illness where a previously normal liver [without preexisting cirrhosis ] fails within days to weeks [less than 26 weeks]. The condition leads to a sudden loss of synthetic and detoxification function of the liver which results in coagulopathy and alteration in the mental status [encephalopathy], jaundice, and multiorgan […]
Hepatitis A – Causes and Treatment
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 or LFTs
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 – Causes, Presentation and Treatment
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 – Types, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
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 Diseases – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
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 – Causes, Presentation and Treatment
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 […]