Question

Diagnostic criteria for Chronic Liver Disease.

Hint:

Chronic liver disease is diagnosed based on clinical history, laboratory tests, imaging studies, and, when necessary, a liver biopsy.

Answer 1

Chronic liver disease (CLD) refers to long-term liver dysfunction that can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure. The diagnostic criteria for CLD generally include the following:
1. History:
- Risk factors: A history of alcohol abuse, viral hepatitis (hepatitis B or C), autoimmune diseases, or metabolic disorders (e.g., non-alcoholic fatty liver disease).
- Symptoms: Symptoms may include fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, and signs of portal hypertension (e.g., varices, ascites).
2. Laboratory Tests:
- Elevated liver enzymes (AST, ALT): Mild to moderate increases may be seen in liver inflammation.
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): Elevation suggests cholestasis or biliary obstruction.
- Bilirubin levels: Jaundice or elevated bilirubin levels may suggest liver dysfunction.
3. Imaging:
- Ultrasound: Detects liver texture changes, ascites, or hepatomegaly. It may show signs of cirrhosis such as a nodular liver surface.
- CT or MRI: Used to assess liver morphology, complications like varices, and liver fibrosis.
- Liver biopsy: The gold standard for assessing liver damage, fibrosis, and cirrhosis.