Hepatological

Hepatological refers to matters related to hepatology, the medical specialty focused on the liver, bile ducts, and related metabolic processes. It encompasses the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of liver diseases, as well as disorders of biliary obstruction and liver-related metabolic conditions.

The scope of hepatology includes a wide range of conditions. These include acute and chronic liver diseases such as viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD/NASH); cirrhosis and its complications; liver failure; hepatocellular carcinoma and other liver cancers; and cholestatic or biliary diseases. It also involves monitoring liver health in the context of systemic illnesses and liver transplant evaluation.

Diagnostics in hepatology typically combine laboratory tests, imaging, and sometimes tissue sampling. Liver function tests measure enzymes and substances such as AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, albumin, and the international normalized ratio. Imaging modalities include ultrasound as a first-line tool, with CT or MRI for detailed assessment and elastography to estimate liver fibrosis. A liver biopsy or noninvasive fibrosis tests may be used to stage disease.

Management depends on the underlying cause. Treatments may include antiviral therapy for hepatitis B or C, lifestyle modification and metabolic control for NAFLD, alcohol cessation, vaccination against hepatitis A and B, and immunosuppressive therapy for autoimmune liver diseases. Advanced disease may require management of complications or liver transplantation. Hepatology is practiced by specialists in hospital and transplant center settings and continues to evolve with new therapies and diagnostic approaches.