What Is Chronic Liver Disease?
Long-term damage to the liver from causes like viral hepatitis, alcohol, or fatty liver, leading to fibrosis and cirrhosis.
Why Do I Need Evaluation?
You may be referred if you have:
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Signs of portal hypertension (varices, ascites)
- Fatigue, jaundice, abdominal swelling
How Should I Prepare?
- Fasting: 6 hours before lab tests.
- Imaging: Ultrasound or elastography—no prep for ultrasound.
What Happens During Evaluation & Management?
- Labs: Liver panel, coagulation, viral serologies.
- Imaging/endoscopy: Assess for fibrosis and varices.
- Treatment:
- Cause-specific (antivirals for hepatitis, abstinence for alcohol)
- Supportive: diuretics for ascites, beta-blockers for variceal bleeding
- Nutritional support and monitoring for complications
What Can I Expect Afterwards?
- Regular monitoring of liver function and complications.
- Potential need for liver transplant evaluation in decompensated disease.
Risks & Possible Complications
- Variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, ascites
- Hepatocellular carcinoma
Follow-Up
- Portal-hypertension surveillance endoscopy every 1–2 years.
Ultrasound for HCC screening every 6 months.
