Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is inflammation and damage of the liver caused due to the deposition of fat in the liver. Read more about Liver Anatomy, Structure and Function Read more about Liver Diseases- Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment NASH is part of a group of conditions called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) which means simply […]
Digestive System
Nausea-Causes, Investigations, Home Remedies and Treatment
Nausea is an uncomfortable sensation of an urge to vomit. It is the sensation that the stomach wants to empty itself. Nausea may or may not lead to vomiting. Vomiting is the actual act of forcible emptying of the stomach contents through the mouth. Retching or dry heaves is the act of vomiting where there […]
Liver Biopsy-Types, Indications, and Procedure
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 […]
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. […]