Abstract

LIVER DISEASES-AN OVERVIEW

*Dr. S. Sivakrishnan, M. Pharm, Ph.D.

ABSTRACT

Liver disease is the major cause of death every year. Approximately 29 million people suffer from a chronic liver condition (Blachier M, et al, 2013[1]) and more than 30 million Americans have liver diseases (American liver foundation, 2017[2]). Liver diseases is the fifth big killer in England after cancer, stroke and respiratory disease. The most common causes of liver disease worldwide are chronic hepatitis B and C, alcohol and non alcoholic steatohepatitis associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome (HEPAMAP, 2007[3]). Around 10 lakh patients of liver cirrhosis are newly diagnosed every year in India. Liver disease is the tenth most common cause of death in India as per the World Health Organization. Liver disease affect every one in five Indians. Liver disease kills more people than diabetes and road deaths. Liver diseases does not usually cause any obvious signs or symptoms until it’s fairly advanced and the liver is damaged. A number of liver function test are available to test the proper function of the liver.

Keywords: Liver, Hepatitis, Liver Cirrhosis.