First published on 08 Oct 2020
Learning points 1. Understand the different reference ranges for liver function tests and enzymes during pregnancy 2. Identify the key points for individual pregnancy-related conditions 3. Be aware of differentiating factors between various liver conditions of pregnancy Introduction Pregnancy directly […]
First published on 16 Apr 2020
Learning points: Duodenal varices are rare and clinically challenging causes of portal hypertensive bleeding associated with significant mortality; they require a high index of suspicion and multimodal diagnostic and therapeutic approaches Endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection and band ligation remain first-line treatments […]
First published on 25 Feb 2020
Key learning points How to diagnose NAFLD and NASH How to risk-stratify patients with NAFLD and NASH Stage-dependent treatment of liver disease Introduction With the increasing obesity epidemic, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become more common, affecting about 20% […]
First published on 25 Jan 2020
Key learning points Portal vein thrombosis can present in the acute or chronic setting in patients with or without cirrhosis The cornerstone of therapy is anticoagulation, which is mandatory where there is intestinal ischaemia or an underlying pro-coagulant condition Vitamin […]
First published on 13 Dec 2019
Introduction Hepatic encephalopathy is a debilitating complication of cirrhosis. It is defined as brain dysfunction caused by liver insufficiency and/or portosystemic shunting [1] and is associated with a greater risk of death than other significant hepatic decompensation events [2]. Hepatic encephalopathy manifests […]
First published on 13 Dec 2019
Introduction About 50% of patients with cirrhosis develop ascites within 10 years of diagnosis [1,2]. The main drivers are sodium retention due to splanchnic arterial vasodilatation and perceived hypovolaemia (acting via the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone and sympathetic nervous systems) and portal hypertension [1–3]. Refractory […]