Chronic Liver Disease

Chronic liver disease refers to a series of stages in the liver condition that involves progressive destruction and regeneration of the liver parenchyma, thereby leading to cirrhosis and fibrosis. This progression usually lasts over a period of six months. Chronic liver disease may be caused by viral agents such as Hepatitis B and C, right heart failure, drugs and toxins such as alcohol, paracetamol, methotrexate, nitrofurantoin, amiodarone, etc. Metabolic conditions such as haemochromatosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Wilson's disease, and autoimmune response such as primary sclerosing cholangitis and primary biliary cholangitis are also associated with chronic liver disease. Some of the factors that may enhance the risks of developing chronic liver disease are obesity, certain prescription medications, excessive alcohol use, metabolic syndrome such as raised blood lipids, etc. Liver biopsy, ultrasonography and liver function tests may help diagnose the liver condition. This book covers in detail some existing theories and innovative concepts revolving around chronic liver disease. The objective of this book is to give a general view of the different clinical aspects along with the medical and surgical treatment strategies of chronic liver disease. It will help the readers in keeping pace with the rapid changes in the treatment of chronic liver disease.