What is hepatic steatosis Liver steatosis is a true degeneration of the liver, caused by the accumulation of triglycerides in hepatocytes. Generally, hepatic steatosis is reversible thanks to diet and drug therapy; however, in a percentage of 5-10% of cases it may develop into liver cirrhosis, especially in the case where the subject is abused alcohol
Category liver health
Vaccination The prophylaxis of hepatitis A is based, besides on the respect of determined hygienic and behavioral norms, on the vaccination and on the passive immunization through standard gammaglobuline (antibodies). The latter treatment is effective in producing short-term immunity (approximately three months), while hepatitis-A vaccine offers lasting protection (10-20 years or more)
Generality Hepatitis B is a very contagious disease caused by the homonymous virus, also called HBV, which is transmitted through the blood or through body fluids (sperm, vaginal secretion, saliva), as happens with the promiscuous use of syringes, razors and infected toothbrushes or during sexual contact
Care and treatment The choice of the most suitable treatment is taken after evaluating the results of diagnostic tests. If these indicate a low level of abnormalities, while continuing to monitor the evolution of hepatitis, the doctor may decide not to intervene, because the risk of developing severe liver damage is low; on the other hand, due to the side effects of specific hepatitis C treatment, taking therapy may cause more harm than good
What's this ? Alcoholic hepatitis is an inflammatory disease affecting the liver caused by the abuse of alcohol over time. In most cases it is accompanied by an excessive accumulation of triglycerides in the liver (hepatic steatosis); for this reason we speak more correctly of alcoholic steatohepatitis
Generality Hepatitis C is an infectious disease caused by the HCV virus (or hepatitis C virus). It is transmitted through direct contact with infected blood, for example through the exchange of syringes between drug addicts or, as happened in the past, through transfusions; rare, but still possible, sexual infection
What is Hepatitis D? Hepatitis D, or Delta hepatitis, is a disease caused by the homonymous single-stranded RNA virus (HDV), which requires the presence of HBV to replicate; consequently, only those subjects who have previously contracted type B hepatitis (super-infection) or simultaneously (co-infection) may be affected by hepatitis D
Importance of a Healthy Liver The liver is the most generous organ of our organism, a tireless and multipurpose worker essential for good health and indispensable for life. The liver carries out tasks of: storekeeper (serves as a nutrient store, such as glycogen, some minerals, see iron, and several vitamins, especially B12 and fat-soluble ones), street sweeper with a strong propensity to respect the environment (it is the most active organ in detoxification processes and also plays an immune role), producer and distributor of energy (processes food substances and produces new ones to meet spec
Generality The liver, with its 1500 grams, is the largest gland in our body. Its functions are multiple and largely essential. Among these, a role of primary importance is covered by the sorting and synthesis of fats. In particular conditions of functional overload, this metabolism can go into crisis favoring the accumulation of triglycerides inside the hepatocytes
What is hepatomegaly? We speak of hepatomegaly in the presence of an enlarged liver beyond the normal dimensions. It is a fairly common condition and not necessarily pathological, which can be supported by numerous causes. The doctor can notice an extremely enlarged liver already from the clinical examination, carrying out certain and precise palpatory maneuvers; ultrasound and various blood tests can subsequently investigate the real causes of the phenomenon
Generality The liver is the largest gland in the human body, located in the upper and right side of the abdomen, just below the diaphragm. Like all organs, the liver also consists of numerous cells called hepatocytes. Each hepatocyte lives on average one hundred and fifty days and is heavily sprayed; in fact, it is estimated that in resting conditions about one and a half liters of blood per minute reaches the liver