In 2004 Professor Roger Williams identified 34 centres in England and Wales as offering specialist hepatology services, including 6 liver transplant centres. This March 2010 report is based on a follow up survey six years later. With other sources the survey will help to build a picture of hepatology services in 2010 and how they might be developed.

• Hepatology Service Provision Survey 2010  [ 3.26 Mb ]

NHS Evidence: Annual Evidence Update on Alcoholic Liver Disease

NHS Evidence – gastroenterology and liver diseases publised its first Evidence Update on alcoholic liver diseases on 7th December 2009.

Alcohol misuse produces a spectrum of liver injury ranging from simple fatty change through alcoholic hepatitis to cirrhosis and, in some 20% of individuals, to hepatocellular carcinoma. We will be presenting an overview of the best systematic reviews and selected primary research from the past two years, along with commentary from experts in the field. We will also provide links to useful policy documents and other items of interest.

To access the Annual Evidence Update, visit  www.library.nhs.uk/gastroliver

A Time to Act: Improving Liver Health and Outcomes in Liver Disease

• Liver disease is the 5th largest cause of death in the U.K. The average age of death from liver disease is 59 years, compared to 82-84 years for heart & lung disease or stroke.
• Liver disease morbidity and mortality are largely preventable.
• The UK is one of few developed nations with an upward trend in mortality.
• Patients are presenting and dying with liver disease at an earlier age, with a 5-fold increase in the development of cirrhosis in 35-55 year olds over the last 10 years
• The majority of treatable liver disease is undiagnosed and untreated.  Early diagnosis and treatment requires engagement of primary care.

  Attachments:

  The national plan for liver services UK 2009

  [A TIME TO ACT: IMPROVING LIVER HEALTH AND OUTCOMES IN LIVER DISEASE]

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'Drink-related illnesses will increase'

Chris Hawkey had a letter published by the Times on May 25th. In it the BSG president calls for a re-evaluation and a radical overhaul of alcohol advertising, pricing and support services:

Read the full article on The Times' website...

Guidelines in development

• Alcoholic Hepatis
• HCV update
• Carcinoid/NET
• HBV
• Liver Secondaries