Fatty liver disease involves excess fat accumulation in the liver and may be associated with metabolic conditions such as obesity, diabetes and abnormal cholesterol levels. Evaluation includes liver tests, metabolic risk assessment and fibrosis testing. Management may involve weight reduction, physical activity, dietary changes and treatment of associated metabolic conditions.
MASLD is a liver condition associated with excess liver fat and cardiometabolic risk factors. Some patients develop liver inflammation and fibrosis, which can progress to cirrhosis. Assessment may include blood tests, ultrasound and non-invasive fibrosis measurements. Treatment focuses on reducing metabolic risks and preventing progressive liver damage.
Alcohol-related liver disease can range from fatty liver changes to inflammation, fibrosis and cirrhosis. Management includes assessment of liver function, alcohol cessation support, nutritional evaluation and treatment of complications. Advanced cases may require specialised liver care or evaluation for liver transplantation.
Cirrhosis occurs when long-term liver injury causes extensive scarring and affects liver function. Patients may develop complications such as fluid accumulation, bleeding, infections or confusion. Treatment focuses on the underlying cause, monitoring for complications and evaluating advanced cases for possible liver transplantation.
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can cause chronic liver inflammation, fibrosis and cirrhosis. Evaluation may include liver function tests, viral load measurements and assessment of liver damage. Selected patients require antiviral medication and regular monitoring, including surveillance for liver cancer when indicated.
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that may cause progressive liver damage if untreated. Modern direct-acting antiviral medicines can cure most infections. Treatment selection depends on factors such as previous treatment, liver function and drug interactions. Follow-up is important, particularly for patients with advanced liver fibrosis or cirrhosis.
Acute liver failure is a serious condition involving rapid deterioration of liver function, sometimes accompanied by confusion and abnormal blood clotting. It requires urgent hospital-based assessment and treatment. Management focuses on identifying the cause, supporting organ function and evaluating whether emergency liver transplantation may be necessary.
Acute-on-chronic liver failure occurs when a person with chronic liver disease develops sudden deterioration, often involving other organs. Potential triggers include infection, bleeding and other acute illnesses. Treatment requires specialised hospital care, management of complications and consideration of liver transplantation in eligible patients.
Portal hypertension occurs when pressure increases within the blood vessels supplying the liver, commonly because of cirrhosis. It can lead to enlarged veins, fluid accumulation and bleeding complications. Management may involve medication, endoscopic treatment by appropriate specialists, imaging and selected procedures depending on the severity.
Ascites is the accumulation of fluid within the abdomen, frequently associated with advanced cirrhosis. Evaluation includes identifying the cause and checking for complications such as infection. Treatment may involve dietary sodium restriction, diuretic medication, fluid drainage and assessment for advanced liver disease management.
Hepatic encephalopathy is a complication of liver dysfunction that can affect concentration, behaviour, alertness and consciousness. Treatment involves identifying triggers such as infection, bleeding or constipation and using appropriate medication. Severe symptoms require urgent medical assessment because they may indicate significant deterioration in liver function.
Hepatorenal syndrome is a serious form of kidney dysfunction that can occur in advanced liver disease. Evaluation requires assessment of kidney function, circulation and other possible causes of kidney injury. Treatment may involve specialised medicines, albumin and consideration of liver transplantation in appropriate patients.
Liver cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma, may develop in patients with chronic liver disease or cirrhosis. Assessment involves imaging, liver function evaluation and multidisciplinary review. Treatment options may include local therapies, systemic treatment, surgery or liver transplantation, depending on tumour characteristics and liver function.
Liver transplant evaluation determines whether transplantation may be appropriate for patients with advanced liver disease or selected liver cancers. Assessment includes liver disease severity, general health, infection screening, cardiovascular evaluation and psychosocial considerations. The transplant team reviews potential benefits, risks and suitability for transplantation.
Pre-transplant assessment involves evaluating the medical condition of a potential liver transplant recipient and preparing for transplantation. Living donor evaluation includes detailed medical, anatomical and psychological assessment to protect donor safety. Decisions are made by a multidisciplinary transplant team following applicable clinical and regulatory requirements.
After liver transplantation, patients require ongoing monitoring of liver function, immunosuppressive medicines and potential complications such as infection or rejection. Long-term follow-up also includes medication management, preventive care and assessment of general health. A transplant hepatologist works with the transplant team to coordinate this care.