The liver is a vital organ responsible for various essential functions in the body, including detoxification, metabolism, digestion, and the production of proteins necessary for blood clotting.

Chronic Liver Disease (CLD), is the term given to a long-term, ongoing liver condition that leads to progressive damage and impairment of the liver’s function. There are many different causes that lead to chronic liver disease, and they can vary in severity. Some common causes and associated conditions of chronic liver disease are:

• Hepatitis: Chronic viral hepatitis infections, such as Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV), can lead to chronic liver inflammation and damage if left untreated. Alcohol abuse can also cause alcoholic hepatitis.
• Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): This condition is often associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome. It encompasses a range of liver conditions, from simple fat accumulation (steatosis) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which involves liver inflammation and scarring.
• Alcohol-related Liver Disease: Excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption can damage the liver, leading to conditions like alcoholic fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis.
• Autoimmune Liver Diseases: Conditions like autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis instigate the immune system to mistakenly attack the liver, leading to chronic inflammation and damage.
• Hemochromatosis: This genetic disorder causes the body to absorb and store too much iron, which can accumulate in the liver and lead to damage.
• Wilson’s Disease: Another genetic disorder, Wilson’s disease, leads to the accumulation of copper in the liver and other organs, causing liver damage.
• Hemochromatosis: In this genetic disorder, the body absorbs and stores too much iron, which then accumulates in the liver and leads to damage.

The symptoms of chronic liver disease vary depending on the stage and cause but usually include:

• Fatigue
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Abdominal pain and swelling
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dark urine
• Pale stools
• Itchy skin
• Easy bruising and bleeding
• Swelling in the legs and ankles

Chronic liver disease can progress to Cirrhosis, a late stage of scarring (fibrosis) of the liver tissue which in turn paves the way to severe complications such as liver failure, portal hypertension, and an increased risk of liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma).

Treatment for chronic liver disease varies depending on the underlying cause and the severity of liver damage. The common treatment approaches are lifestyle changes (such as quitting alcohol consumption and weight loss), antiviral medications (for viral hepatitis), immunosuppressants (for autoimmune liver diseases), and medications to manage symptoms and complications.

In advanced cases, liver transplantation may be necessary to replace a damaged liver with a healthy one.

Regular medical check-ups and consultations with a hepatologist or gastroenterologist are essential for individuals at risk or with known liver conditions.

Early diagnosis and accurate evaluation are vital for effective management of CLD. The diagnostic tools include:

• Liver Function Tests: Blood tests to assess liver enzymes and liver function
• Imaging Studies: Advanced imaging techniques like ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI for a detailed view of the liver
• Liver Biopsy: in-depth analysis of a small tissue sample taken from the liver
• FibroScan: A non-invasive method to assess liver stiffness, which is a proven indicator of liver scarring

Effective management of chronic liver disease is crucial for preventing further liver damage. This calls for a multidisciplinary team of experts and a cross-functional approach, which is the strength of Pragma Hospitals, Hyderabad. Known for providing personalised, evidence-based care for CLD patients, Pragma Hospitals offers:

360-degree treatment – lifestyle modifications and medications to advanced interventional procedures and liver transplantation

Comprehensive care – a patient-centric approach which ensures that every aspect of chronic liver disease, including nutritional guidance and emotional support, is addressed

Cutting-edge technology – equipped with the latest technology and diagnostic tools for accurate evaluation and precise treatment planning

Chronic Liver Disease is a complex medical condition that requires specialised care and management. Choose a caregiver such as Pragma Hospitals that has expert Hepatologists and Gastroenterologists supported by multidisciplinary teams, and state-of-the-art facilities, as your trusted partner on your journey to better liver health.