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The liver is a vital organ that is responsible for performing several metabolic functions and is very resilient to stressors. Delaying detection and, therefore, treatment can lead to severe complications. In India, liver diseases are on a steady rise, a burden that can be attributed to lifestyle habits like alcohol consumption, dietary habits, and consumption of sugary drinks. However, owing to the unique ability of the liver — to function normally in spite of several such stressors — very often, liver diseases become evident only after it’s too late. As such, a way around this would be to regularly undergo liver testing for specific at-risk populations. Identifying problems early is the best way to nip the problem in the bud.
What exactly are liver function tests?
Liver function test(s) is a set of blood tests that measures the levels of proteins, liver enzymes, and bilirubin in the blood. The most common tests carried out are Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Aspartate Transaminase (AST), Albumin Test, Prothrombin time (PT), Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and Bilirubin. Any aberration in these measurements alerts the doctor regarding the possible disease of or outside the liver.
What other tests may be ordered to monitor the liver?
The doctor may order other tests like an ultrasound or an MRI of the liver, when needed. These usually add more information regarding the blood flow through the liver, the amount of fat in the liver, etc. These are ordered in situations where decisions regarding the treatment of certain liver conditions is needed.
What are the symptoms of liver disease?
Liver disease may have a variety of symptoms like nausea, poor appetite, itching, yellow skin and eyes, weakness, fatigue, weight loss, vomiting, swelling around the eyes, belly, and legs, and even jaundice. Patients with liver disease may also notice bleeding that is difficult to stop, or easy bruising. In certain cases, they may even have traces of blood in vomit or stool.
Common liver problems prevalent in India
The exact burden of liver disease is difficult to quantify in a country like India. However, it is believed to be widely prevalent. They affect people of all age groups. Some of the common liver problems are non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), Viral Hepatitis, end-stage chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, acute liver failure, acute and chronic hepatitis in adults. Biliary Atresia (a rare disease of the liver and bile ducts that occurs in infants), Budd-Chiari (a rare syndrome characterized by narrowing and obstruction (occlusion) of the veins of the liver (hepatic veins), metabolic diseases are largely seen in children. Other rare causes include liver cancer, bile duct cancer, and hepatoblastoma.
(Dr Aditya Nanavati is a Senior Consultant of Liver, Pancreas and Intestine Transplant and HPB Surgery at Global Hospitals, Parel)
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