AN OVERVIEW OF HEPATITIS C VIRUS AND LIVER CIRRHOSIS IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

  Liver cirrhosis is a medical condition characterized by atrophy, fibrosis and physiological malfunctioning of the liver. This ailment may or may not be associated with liver carcinoma, which can be diagnosed via alphafetoprotein (AFP) blood test. The liver is a multi-tasking organ responsible for enzyme synthesis and toxin degradation; the patient with cirrhosis falls prone to various health issues such as jaundice, malaise, nausea, fatigue, swellings, loss of appetite, accumulation of fluid in the abdominal spaces, weight loss etc. This hepatic pathology, in later stages, is fatal. This disease leads to the annual mortality of 4000 lives in the UK and is the 12th major life-threatening disease in the USA. Chronic infection with HCV (hepatitis C virus), HBV (hepatitis B virus), and alcohol consumption are major factors of liver cirrhosis. Due to its slower progression (as it develops over months), liver cirrhosis can be detected earlier via diagnostic tools like CT (Computed Tomography) scan, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan, liver biopsy etc. Liver cirrhosis is the major reason for liver transplants around the world. It is more common in males than females and is prevalent in developing countries. Pakistan has an enormous burden of liver cirrhosis. This article briefly discusses the recent developments in the understanding of the pathogenesis, diagnosis and frequency of liver cirrhosis in the Pakistani population.