Chronic li

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Chronic liver disease Summary Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a spectrum of liver diseases that persist for ≥ 6 months. CLD is characterized by progressive liver fibrosis, steatosis, and deterioration of liver function. Cirrhosis is the final stage of CLD. The most common causes of CLD in the US include chronic HCV infection, cardiometabolic risk factors for metabolic dysfunction- associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and long-term unhealthy alcohol use. The initial stages of CLD are typically asymptomatic or manifest with nonspecific features (e.g., fatigue, weight loss) before reaching the cirrhosis stage. A prompt workup of CLD is indicated in patients with abnormal liver chemistriesand/or imaging findings suggestive of liver pathology (e.g., steatosis, liver nodules) or associated complications (e.g., ascites). Once a cause has been identified, disease-specific evaluation guides management. Liver biopsy is indicated in patients with inconclusive findings on noninvasive diagnostic studies. Complications include acute-on- chronic liver failure, clinically significant portal hypertension, and hepatocellular carcinoma. FEEDBACKYour notes Shared NotesManage Definitions • Chroni...