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Monitoring Chronic Liver Disease

Comprehensive care for digestive disorders by Dr. Akeel Alisa

Understanding Chronic Liver Disease

Chronic liver disease refers to any long-term condition that gradually damages the liver and reduces its ability to function. Common causes include viral hepatitis (B and C), fatty liver disease, alcohol-related liver damage, autoimmune hepatitis, and inherited metabolic conditions.

Because many forms of liver disease progress slowly and often without symptoms, regular monitoring is essential. Careful follow-up allows doctors to track changes, detect complications early, and intervene before irreversible damage occurs.

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Why Monitoring Matters

The liver has a remarkable ability to repair itself, but once significant scarring (fibrosis) or cirrhosis develops, the damage is usually permanent. Regular monitoring helps to:

  • Assess disease activity: Detect ongoing inflammation or worsening scarring.
  • Prevent complications: Identify issues such as portal hypertension, varices, ascites, or liver cancer before they become advanced.
  • Guide treatment: Adjust lifestyle advice, medications, or interventions as the disease evolves.
  • Reassure patients: Provide peace of mind that their condition is being carefully managed.

Who Needs Regular Monitoring?

Monitoring is especially important for patients with:

  • Viral hepatitis B or C
  • Cirrhosis or advanced fibrosis
  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
  • Alcohol-related liver disease
  • Autoimmune hepatitis
  • Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) or primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)
  • Genetic liver conditions such as haemochromatosis or Wilson’s disease

What Monitoring Involves

A hepatologist may recommend a combination of tests and imaging, depending on the type and stage of liver disease:

  • Blood tests: To check liver enzymes, clotting, and markers of disease activity.
  • Ultrasound scans: To monitor liver size, texture, and detect complications.
  • Fibroscan (elastography): A non-invasive tool that measures liver stiffness and tracks fibrosis progression.
  • Endoscopy: To check for varices (enlarged veins) in cirrhosis patients.
  • CT or MRI scans: For more detailed imaging and cancer surveillance.
  • Liver biopsy: Occasionally required to assess unclear cases or monitor response to treatment.

Lifestyle and Ongoing Support

Monitoring is not just about tests — it also involves ongoing support to manage liver health effectively:

  • Alcohol management: Reducing or avoiding alcohol is key for many patients.
  • Weight and diet: Achieving a healthy weight and following a balanced diet reduces the risk of disease progression.
  • Medication review: Ensuring no drugs are contributing to liver damage.
  • Vaccinations: Protecting against hepatitis A and B if not already immune.
  • Patient education: Helping individuals understand their condition and recognise warning signs.

Possible Complications if Not Monitored

Without regular monitoring, chronic liver disease can silently progress to:

  • Advanced cirrhosis
  • Portal hypertension and bleeding varices
  • Severe fluid build-up (ascites)
  • Hepatic encephalopathy (confusion and memory problems)
  • Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma)
  • Liver failure requiring transplantation

Why See a Hepatology Specialist?

A hepatologist provides the expertise needed to:

  • Detect disease progression at the earliest stage
  • Offer tailored monitoring plans based on individual risk factors
  • Provide access to the latest non-invasive technologies like Fibroscan
  • Reduce the risk of complications and hospital admissions
  • Guide patients with reassurance, education, and long-term care strategies
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What Patients Say About Dr Alisa

Read testimonials from patients who have experienced Dr Alisa's expert care.

My consultation with Dr Akeel Alisa was highly satisfactory and he was very thorough. The Gastroscopy procedure was performed satisfactorily with no pain or discomfort at all. I am very pleased with treatment received so far.

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I was fully vaccinated investigated by Dr Akeel Alisa and I was reassured. My endoscopy and colonoscopy were straight forward and painless. I am very happy with the care I received.

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Dr Akeel Alisa and Nursing team at Cromwell Hospital Endoscopy team offered me great care and all was perfect. Well pleased.

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