The liver serves many functions. It stores glucose so you have an energy reserve, makes and stores proteins, makes hormones and the factors that are needed for clotting, and gets rid of toxins. Several diseases can affect the liver and impair its ability to carry out these important tasks.
Viral Hepatitis
Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver. Five viruses, named hepatitis A through hepatitis E, can cause viral hepatitis. The hepatitis A virus can be spread through poor hygiene habits and from eating contaminated seafood. According to Sidney Cohen, M.D., Professor of Medicine at the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in "The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals," the screening process currently done with all blood transfusions has almost eliminated all donor blood that is contaminated with the hepatitis B virus. Risk factors still include sharing needles for IV drug use and practicing unsafe sex. The hepatitis C virus can be transmitted through body piercing, tattoos and the needles of IV drug users. The hepatitis D virus can infect you only if you are currently infected with hepatitis B. Dr. Cohen writes that there are no cases of hepatitis E in the U.S.
Wilson's Disease
Also referred to as hepaticolenticular degeneration, Wilson's disease is a hereditary condition that usually affects people who are younger than 40 years old. In this disease, as Lawrence Friedman, M.D., Professor of Medicine at the Harvard Medical School writes in "Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment," there are low levels of a protein that has the job of carrying copper in the bloodstream. The function of the liver is impaired because too much copper is then deposited in the liver. The damage, which can become irreversible, is referred to as cirrhosis.
Hemochromatosis
Hemochromatosis is also a hereditary disease. In this case, too much iron is absorbed in the small intestines, and it then accumulates in several organs throughout the body. The accumulation of iron in the liver causes so much damage that it can lead to cirrhosis and cancer.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Hepatocellular carcinoma is cancer of the liver. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of 2008, there were 48,048 cases of this disease in the U.S. The main risk factors for this disease are cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis. The liver becomes very tender and enlarged in size. A mass can usually be seen on ultrasound or on a CT scan.
Alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency
Alpha 1-antitrypsin is a protein that helps to protect the lungs. A deficiency of this protein causes one type of emphysema, a lung disease. It also impairs the functioning of the liver. Ronald Sokol, M.D., Director of Pediatric Clinical Translational Research Center, explains in "Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Pediatrics," that the deficiency in the bloodstream is due to the accumulation of the protein in the liver. This accumulation harms the liver. According to Dr. Sokol, 10 percent of children with this deficiency will have significant liver impairment by the time they are 18 years old.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: National Trends and Disparities
- Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Pediatrics"; William Hay, Jr., M.D., Myron Levin, M.D., Judith Sondheimer, M.D., Robin Deterding, M.D.; 2009
- "Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2009"; Stephen McPhee, M.D., Maxine Papadakis, M.D.; 2009
- The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals: Acute Viral Hepatitis
