Heidi Hamlin

Diagnosis and Management of Chronic Liver Disease Heidi Hamlin

Chronic liver disease is a disease of the liver, which involves progressive destruction and regeneration of the liver parenchyma. This leads to fibrosis and cirrhosis. It encompasses a range of liver pathologies including chronic hepatitis, hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cirrhosis. The diagnosis of chronic liver disease is done through an examination of its symptoms which will vary according to the underlying cause such as nail clubbing, testicular atrophy, palmar erythema, leukonychia, asterixis, DupuytrenÂ’s contracture, parotid enlargement, cerebellar signs, etc. Some of the complications of chronic liver disease are synthetic dysfunction, portal hypertension, encephalopathy, hepatopulmonary syndrome, etc. Depending on the underlying cause, medications such as corticosteroids, antivirals, interferons, bile acids and other drugs may be prescribed. Supportive therapy including albumin, vitamin K, diuretics, antibiotics and nutritional therapy may help to prevent or manage complications of cirrhosis. This book aims to shed light on some of the unexplored aspects of chronic liver disease and the recent researches on this condition. It includes some of the vital pieces of work being conducted across the world, on the diagnosis and management of chronic liver disease. It is a vital tool for all researching or studying hepatology as it gives incredible insights into emerging trends and concepts.