Disease of the Liver Parenchyma: Symptoms, Conditions, and Treatment

Understanding Liver Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

The global prevalence of parenchymal liver disease is around 25% and is set to increase, with the highest prevalence in the Middle East and South America.¹As a result, it is vital to understand who is at risk, how to prevent it, and what treatment options are available. Let’s check out everything you need to know.

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What is the Liver and What Does it Do?

The liver is a large organ found in the upper right-hand side of your abdomen, beneath your lungs and diaphragm, and above your stomach. It plays a crucial role in the body, as all blood leaving your stomach and intestines first passes through the liver. Your liver is a control hub for blood volume regulation, immune system support, macronutrient metabolism, and lipid and cholesterol balance.

The liver also helps to filter toxic substances out of your system. It produces a substance called bile, which assists in excreting material your kidneys haven’t excreted. Bile also breaks down fats into fatty acids, which your body absorbs via the digestive tract. 

Causes and Symptoms of Parenchymal Liver Disease

Signs and symptoms of liver problems can be general and non-specific. These can include loss of appetite, tiredness, weight loss, and jaundice. Jaundice is a yellow discoloration of the eyes and skin due to over or underproduction of bile.

Causes of liver disease can vary, but a common shared cause is alcoholism. The liver is responsible for the breakdown of alcohol, so constant alcohol use leads to the build-up of toxic substances.

Types of Liver Diseases

There are different types of liver diseases, including:

Hepatic Steatosis

Hepatic steatosis is when excess fat builds up in the liver, and various factors or conditions can cause it. It has two types: Alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). 

Fibrosis

Liver fibrosis occurs when your liver tissue becomes scarred and cannot work as well. It can develop into cirrhosis, a more severe pattern of scarring, which has a higher chance of complications. Causes include hepatitis C virus infection and alcoholism.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, often caused by a virus. Hepatitis A and E viruses are common in travelers and contaminated water and food sources. Usually, symptoms include jaundice and vomiting. 

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis refers to scarring of the liver. Initially, scar tissue forms (fibrosis) without losing its function. Following ongoing injury, most of the liver becomes scar tissue, leading to loss of function and cirrhosis. 

Metabolic Diseases

A few metabolic diseases involve the liver and can lead to chronic liver disease. The three most common causes are:

• Wilson disease
• Hereditary hemochromatosis
• Alpha-I antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency

Risk Factors for Liver Disease

Hepatic steatosis, or fatty liver disease, tends to present in people who are obese and have insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. Other risk factors for liver disease include using certain medications, excessive alcohol consumption, high-risk behaviors, such as unprotected sex or sharing needles, exposure to other people’s blood and body fluids, and having blood transfusions before 1992.

Diagnosis of Parenchymal Diseases of the Liver

Diagnosis of liver disease depends on the cause and complications of the liver disease. If you’re experiencing any symptoms described or have a family history of liver complications, talk to your doctor about potential causes and treatment.

Your doctor can use ultrasound, CT, and MRI to diagnose liver disease. They can also use blood tests to measure the levels of different proteins and enzymes. 

A liver biopsy may be necessary