Pathophysiology

Abstract

Liver disease can be classed as acute if the onset of symptoms does not exceed six months or chronic if symptoms persist beyond this period. In the initial stages of liver disease, inflammatory (hepatitis) or fatty (steatosis) changes, or both (steatohepatitis), can occur. If the cause of liver injury is not removed, the damage can progress to fibrosis and eventually cirrhosis. Fatigue, reduced appetite and weight loss are common symptoms of liver disease. Clinical features of chronic liver disease include jaundice, coagulopathy, encephalopathy, portal hypertension, varices and ascites.