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Wazir H, Abid M, Essani B, Saeed H, Ahmad Khan M, Nasrullah F, Qadeer U, Khalid A, Varrassi G, Muzammil MA, Maryam A, Syed ARS, Shah AA, Kinger S, Ullah F. Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Disease: Current Trends and Future Directions. Cureus 2023; 15:e49920. [PMID: 38174191 PMCID: PMC10763979 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
This narrative review delves into the intricate landscape of liver diseases, providing a comprehensive background of the diverse conditions that afflict this vital organ. Liver diseases, ranging from viral hepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), pose significant global health challenges. Understanding these diseases' multifaceted origins and progression is pivotal for developing effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. The epidemiology and etiology of liver diseases emphasize the global impact of viral hepatitis, with hepatitis B and C as significant contributors. Concurrently, the rising prevalence of NAFLD, linked to lifestyle factors and metabolic syndrome, underscores the intricate relationship between modern living and liver health. Chronic liver diseases often evolve insidiously, progressing from inflammation to fibrosis and, ultimately, to cirrhosis - a stage characterized by irreversible scarring and compromised function. The heightened risk of HCC in advanced liver disease stages further underscores the urgency of effective diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. The evolving landscape of non-invasive diagnostic tools is explored for their role in enabling early detection and accurate staging of liver diseases. In the realm of treatment, there is a continuous transition toward personalized medicine, customized to suit the unique profiles of individual patients. This shift encompasses a broad spectrum, ranging from personalized pharmacological interventions to lifestyle modifications and surgical options. Delving into innovative therapies, such as gene editing and immunomodulation, offers a glimpse into the promising future directions that have the potential to redefine the landscape of liver disease diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hina Wazir
- Internal Medicine, Khyber Medical College, Peshawar, PAK
| | - Marium Abid
- Medicine, Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Karachi, PAK
| | - Binish Essani
- Medicine, Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Karachi, PAK
| | - Hira Saeed
- Medicine, Federal Medical College, Islamabad, PAK
| | | | - Fnu Nasrullah
- Internal Medicine, Shadab Medical Center, Karachi, PAK
| | - Usama Qadeer
- Medicine, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore, PAK
| | - Ayesha Khalid
- Medicine, Fatima Memorial Hospital College of Medicine and Dentistry, Lahore, PAK
| | | | | | - Areeba Maryam
- Emergency Medicine, Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi, PAK
| | | | - Abdul Ahad Shah
- Dermatology, Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, PAK
| | | | - Farhan Ullah
- Internal Medicine, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, PAK
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