Liver fibrosis

Liver fibrosis is a pathological condition characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins including collagen that occurs in most types of chronic liver diseases. It is the result of a wound-healing response to liver injury, which can be caused by a variety of factors such as hepatitis, alcohol abuse, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Etiology

Liver fibrosis can be caused by several factors. Chronic viral hepatitis (Hepatitis B and C) is one of the most common causes worldwide. Other causes include alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), autoimmune hepatitis, biliary disease, and metabolic diseases such as hemochromatosis and Wilson's disease.

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of liver fibrosis involves the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in response to liver injury. Activated HSCs transform into myofibroblast-like cells, which produce extracellular matrix proteins, including collagen. The excessive accumulation of these proteins leads to the formation of a fibrous scar, disrupting the normal architecture of the liver.

Clinical Manifestations

The clinical manifestations of liver fibrosis can vary depending on the stage of the disease. Early stages may be asymptomatic, while advanced stages can lead to cirrhosis, characterized by symptoms such as jaundice, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and variceal bleeding.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of liver fibrosis is typically based on a combination of clinical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Liver biopsy is considered the gold standard for diagnosing and staging liver fibrosis, but non-invasive methods such as elastography and serum biomarkers are increasingly used due to their lower risk of complications.

Treatment

The treatment of liver fibrosis primarily involves managing the underlying cause. This may include antiviral therapy for viral hepatitis, lifestyle modifications for alcoholic liver disease and NAFLD, and immunosuppressive therapy for autoimmune hepatitis. In advanced cases, liver transplantation may be considered.

Prognosis

The prognosis of liver fibrosis depends on the underlying cause and the stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis. Early detection and treatment can halt the progression of fibrosis and potentially reverse some of the damage.