Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) is defined as the presence of hepatic fat accumulation after the exclusion of other causes of hepatic steatosis, including other causes of liver disease, excessive alcohol consu...Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) is defined as the presence of hepatic fat accumulation after the exclusion of other causes of hepatic steatosis, including other causes of liver disease, excessive alcohol consumption, and other conditions that may lead to hepatic steatosis. NAFLD encompasses a broad clinical spectrum ranging from nonalcoholic fatty liver to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH), advanced fibrosis, cirrhosis, and finally hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). NAFLD is the most common liver disease in the world and NASH may soon become the most common indication for liver transplantation. Ongoing persistence of obesity with increasing rate of diabetes will increase the prevalence of NAFLD, and as this population ages, many will develop cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease. There has been a general increase in the prevalence of NAFLD, with Asia leading the rise, yet the United States is following closely behind with a rising prevalence from 15% in 2005 to 25% within 5 years. NAFLD is commonly associated with metabolic comorbidities, including obesity, type Ⅱ diabetes, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome. Our understanding of the pathophysiology of NAFLD is constantly evolving. Based on NAFLD subtypes, it has the potential to progress into advanced fibrosis, end-stage liver disease and HCC. The increasing prevalence of NAFLD with advanced fibrosis, is concerning because patients appear toexperience higher liver-related and non-liver-related mortality than the general population. The increased morbidity and mortality, healthcare costs and declining health related quality of life associated with NAFLD makes it a formidable disease, and one that requires more in-depth analysis.展开更多
Globally, hepatitis C virus (HCV) has infected an estimated 130 million people, most of whom are chronically infected. HCV-infected people serve as a reservoir for transmission to others and are at risk for developing...Globally, hepatitis C virus (HCV) has infected an estimated 130 million people, most of whom are chronically infected. HCV-infected people serve as a reservoir for transmission to others and are at risk for developing chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It has been estimated that HCV accounts for 27% of cirrhosis and 25% of HCC worldwide. HCV infection has likely been endemic in many populations for centuries. However, the wave of increased HCV-related morbidity and mortality that we are now facing is the result of an unprecedented increase in the spread of HCV during the 20th century. Two 20th century events appear to be responsible for this increase; the widespread availability of injectable therapies and the illicit use of injectable drugs.展开更多
Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a chronic disease characterized by diffuse inflammation of the mucosa of the colon and rectum.The hallmark clinical symptom of UC is bloody diarrhea.The clinical course is marked by exacerbati...Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a chronic disease characterized by diffuse inflammation of the mucosa of the colon and rectum.The hallmark clinical symptom of UC is bloody diarrhea.The clinical course is marked by exacerbations and remissions,which may occur spontaneously or in response to treatment changes or intercurrent illnesses.UC is most commonly diagnosed in late adolescence or early adulthood,but it can occur at any age.The incidence of UC has increased worldwide over recent decades,especially in developing nations.In contrast,during this period,therapeutic advances have improved the life expectancy of patients,and there has been a decrease in the mortality rate over time.It is important to emphasize that there is considerable variability in the phenotypic presentation of UC.Within this context,certain clinical and demographic characteristics are useful in identifying patients who tend to have more severe evolution of the disease and a poor prognosis.In this group of patients,better clinical surveillance and more intensive therapy may change the natural course of the disease.The aim of this article was to review the epidemiology and demographic characteristics of UC and the factors that may be associated with its clinical prognosis.展开更多
文摘Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) is defined as the presence of hepatic fat accumulation after the exclusion of other causes of hepatic steatosis, including other causes of liver disease, excessive alcohol consumption, and other conditions that may lead to hepatic steatosis. NAFLD encompasses a broad clinical spectrum ranging from nonalcoholic fatty liver to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH), advanced fibrosis, cirrhosis, and finally hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). NAFLD is the most common liver disease in the world and NASH may soon become the most common indication for liver transplantation. Ongoing persistence of obesity with increasing rate of diabetes will increase the prevalence of NAFLD, and as this population ages, many will develop cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease. There has been a general increase in the prevalence of NAFLD, with Asia leading the rise, yet the United States is following closely behind with a rising prevalence from 15% in 2005 to 25% within 5 years. NAFLD is commonly associated with metabolic comorbidities, including obesity, type Ⅱ diabetes, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome. Our understanding of the pathophysiology of NAFLD is constantly evolving. Based on NAFLD subtypes, it has the potential to progress into advanced fibrosis, end-stage liver disease and HCC. The increasing prevalence of NAFLD with advanced fibrosis, is concerning because patients appear toexperience higher liver-related and non-liver-related mortality than the general population. The increased morbidity and mortality, healthcare costs and declining health related quality of life associated with NAFLD makes it a formidable disease, and one that requires more in-depth analysis.
文摘Globally, hepatitis C virus (HCV) has infected an estimated 130 million people, most of whom are chronically infected. HCV-infected people serve as a reservoir for transmission to others and are at risk for developing chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It has been estimated that HCV accounts for 27% of cirrhosis and 25% of HCC worldwide. HCV infection has likely been endemic in many populations for centuries. However, the wave of increased HCV-related morbidity and mortality that we are now facing is the result of an unprecedented increase in the spread of HCV during the 20th century. Two 20th century events appear to be responsible for this increase; the widespread availability of injectable therapies and the illicit use of injectable drugs.
文摘Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a chronic disease characterized by diffuse inflammation of the mucosa of the colon and rectum.The hallmark clinical symptom of UC is bloody diarrhea.The clinical course is marked by exacerbations and remissions,which may occur spontaneously or in response to treatment changes or intercurrent illnesses.UC is most commonly diagnosed in late adolescence or early adulthood,but it can occur at any age.The incidence of UC has increased worldwide over recent decades,especially in developing nations.In contrast,during this period,therapeutic advances have improved the life expectancy of patients,and there has been a decrease in the mortality rate over time.It is important to emphasize that there is considerable variability in the phenotypic presentation of UC.Within this context,certain clinical and demographic characteristics are useful in identifying patients who tend to have more severe evolution of the disease and a poor prognosis.In this group of patients,better clinical surveillance and more intensive therapy may change the natural course of the disease.The aim of this article was to review the epidemiology and demographic characteristics of UC and the factors that may be associated with its clinical prognosis.
