Associated Liver Diseases Study Guide: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management

This comprehensive study guide focuses on liver diseases and complications, such as ascites, portal hypertension, oesophageal varices, hepatic encephalopathy, and drug-induced liver injury (DILI). It is a valuable resource for healthcare professionals, medical students, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of liver-related conditions.
 
Key Features:
Ascites: Learn about the causes, including low albumin, portal hypertension, and sodium retention, and the management strategies like low-salt diets, diuretics (spironolactone, furosemide), and large volume paracentesis.
 
Portal Hypertension: Explore the mechanisms of increased pressure in the portal vein system and its complications, such as oesophageal varices, ascites, and splenomegaly.
 
Oesophageal Varices: Understand the pathophysiology, the risk of bleeding, and the management of acute bleeding, including endoscopic band ligation and vasoactive drugs like terlipressin.
Hepatic Encephalopathy: Delve into the causes (especially ammonia buildup), clinical features (cognitive decline, motor dysfunction), and treatment options, including lactulose and antibiotics (rifaximin).
 
Wernicke’s Encephalopathy and Korsakoff Syndrome: Learn about the clinical features, causes (thiamine deficiency), and treatment (IV thiamine) of these reversible neurological conditions related to alcohol use.
 
Alcoholism and Liver Disease: Explore the clinical features of alcoholism, including spider naevi, palmar erythema, and ascites, and the impact of alcohol on liver function.
 
Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI): Gain insight into the causes (e.g., paracetamol overdose, amoxicillin-clavulanate), clinical presentation (jaundice, nausea, fatigue), and management of DILI.
 
Pharmacological Considerations: Learn about how liver disease affects drug metabolism, hypoalbuminaemia, clotting function, and considerations when prescribing medications for liver patients.
 
Whether you’re preparing for exams, working in clinical settings, or looking to deepen your knowledge of liver diseases and their complications, this guide offers essential insights into managing these complex conditions.