End-stage liver disease

End-stage liver disease (ESLD) is a term often used to mean liver failure, particularly as a result of chronic conditions such as cirrhosis and hepatitis. It is the final stage of chronic liver disease and signifies that the liver has lost all of its function.

Causes

The most common causes of ESLD are chronic hepatitis C, alcoholic liver disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Other causes can include autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Symptoms

Symptoms of ESLD can vary greatly from patient to patient. Some people may experience no symptoms at all, while others may have severe symptoms such as jaundice, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and variceal bleeding.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of ESLD is typically made based on a combination of clinical symptoms, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Liver biopsy may also be performed in some cases to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of liver damage.

Treatment

Treatment for ESLD is primarily aimed at managing symptoms and complications. This can include medications to reduce fluid buildup in the body, procedures to control bleeding from varices, and treatment for hepatic encephalopathy. In severe cases, a liver transplant may be considered.

Prognosis

The prognosis for patients with ESLD is generally poor, with a high mortality rate. However, outcomes can vary greatly depending on the underlying cause of the disease, the patient's overall health, and the availability of treatment options such as liver transplantation.

See also

• Liver disease
• Liver transplantation
• Hepatitis
• Cirrhosis