Sarcopenia and frailty: An in-depth analysis of the pathophysiology and effect on liver transplant candidates.

Journal: World journal of hepatology
Published Date:

Abstract

Cirrhosis represents the end stage of chronic liver disease, significantly reducing life expectancy as it progresses from a compensated to a decompensated state, leading to serious complications. Recent improvements in medical treatment have created a shift in cirrhosis management. Various causes, including hepatitis viruses, alcohol consumption, and fatty liver disease, contribute to cirrhosis and are closely linked to liver cancer. The disease develops through hepatocyte necrosis and regeneration, resulting in fibrosis and sinusoidal capillarization, leading to portal hypertension and complications such as ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and organ dysfunction. Cirrhosis also holds an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Diagnosing cirrhosis involves assessing fibrosis scores through blood tests and measuring liver stiffness through elastography. Liver transplantation is the definitive treatment for end-stage liver disease and acute liver failure.

Authors

  • Grigorios Christodoulidis
    Department of General Surgery, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa 41110, Thessalia, Greece. gregsurg@yahoo.gr.
  • Kyriaki Tsagkidou
    Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Larisa, Larisa 41100, Thessalia, Greece.
  • Dimitra Bartzi
    Department of Oncology, The 251 Airforce General Hospital, Athens 11525, Greece.
  • Ioana A Prisacariu
    Department of Rehabilitation, Luzerner Kantonsspital Wolhusen, Lucerne 6110, Luzern, Switzerland.
  • Eirini S Agko
    Department of Intensive Care Unit, Asklepios Paulinen Clinic Wiesbaden, Wiesbaden 65197, Germany.
  • Konstantinos E Koumarelas
    Department of General and Orthopaedic Surgery, Luzerner Kantonsspital Wolhusen, Lucerne 6110, Luzern, Switzerland.
  • Dimitrios Zacharoulis
    Department of General Surgery, University of Thessaly, Larisa 41110, Thessalia, Greece.

Keywords

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