No abstract available.
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone*

Progressive liver fibrosis is a similar feature of all chronic liver diseases and eventually develops liver cirrhosis. The prognosis and treatment plans of chronic liver diseases depend strongly on the degree of liver fibrosis. These facts raise clinical interests in quantifying liver fibrosis. Although liver biopsy has been the gold standard for assessment of liver fibrosis, it has some technical limitations and risks. Accordingly, an increasing need for alternative non-invasive method to quantify liver fibrosis has been a major challenge that has stimulated search for new non-invasive methods. Such methods for diagnosing liver fibrosis have progressed significantly over the last few years notably with the appearance of several serological markers which have been reported to predict the presence of significant fibrosis or cirrhosis in patients with chronic liver disease with considerable accuracy. However, complicated calculation, cost problems, and influences of extrahepatic conditions make it less accessible to clinicians. Recently, liver stiffness measurement using FibroScan(R) is emerging as a new diagnostic method for liver fibrosis. It is totally non-invasive and reproducible and gives an immediate result without intra- and inter-observer variability. Its clinical use in comparison with liver biopsy and several available serologic markers is now intensively being investigated. Here, we review the currently available data on FibroScan(R).
Biopsy ; Fibrosis ; Humans ; Liver ; Liver Cirrhosis ; Liver Diseases ; Observer Variation ; Prognosis

No abstract available.
Elasticity Imaging Techniques* ; Liver Cirrhosis* ; Liver*

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common condition that may progress to end-stage liver disease. Recently, NAFLD has been recognized as a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome and an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Therefore, appropriate management of this common disorder is an important public health issue. The management of NAFLD is based on gradual weight loss through lifestyle modification. Reducing total calorie intake and carbohydrates in the diet is beneficial for NAFLD patients. Regular exercise reduces hepatic fat content independent of weight loss. However, such lifestyle changes are difficult to maintain long term for most patients. Despite the growing need for pharmacologic therapy, there is currently no effective agent for the treatment of NAFLD. Several large clinical trials have shown promising but inconsistent effects of pioglitazone and vitamin E for improving NAFLD. However, larger clinical trials are required before definitive conclusions can be drawn.
Carbohydrates ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Diet ; Humans ; Life Style ; Liver Diseases ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease* ; Public Health ; Risk Factors ; Vitamin E ; Vitamins ; Weight Loss