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Open Access 01-12-2017 | Opinion

Advances and challenges in cirrhosis and portal hypertension

Author: Annalisa Berzigotti

Published in: BMC Medicine | Issue 1/2017

Abstract

Background

Liver cirrhosis is the fourth cause of death in adults in Western countries, with complications of portal hypertension being responsible for most casualties. In order to reduce mortality, development of accurate diagnostic methods for early diagnosis, effective etiologic treatment, improved pharmacological therapy for portal hypertension, and effective therapies for end-stage liver failure are required.

Discussion

Early detection of cirrhosis and portal hypertension is now possible using simple non-invasive methods, leading to the advancement of individualized risk stratification in clinical practice. Despite previous assumptions, cirrhosis can regress if its etiologic cause is effectively removed. Nevertheless, while this is now possible for cirrhosis caused by chronic hepatitis C, the incidence of cirrhosis due to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis has increased dramatically and effective therapies are not yet available. New drugs acting on the dynamic component of hepatic vascular resistance are being studied and will likely improve the future management of portal hypertension.

Conclusion

Cirrhosis is now seen as a dynamic disease able to progress and regress between the compensated and decompensated stages. This opinion article aims to provide the author’s personal view of the current major advances and challenges in this field.

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Title: Advances and challenges in cirrhosis and portal hypertension
Author: Annalisa Berzigotti
Publication date: 01-12-2017
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Medicine / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1741-7015
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-017-0966-6

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Advances and challenges in cirrhosis and portal hypertension

Abstract

Background

Discussion

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Discussion

Conclusion

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