Williams E J, Iredale J P
University Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, UK.
Postgrad Med J. 1998 Apr;74(870):193-202. doi: 10.1136/pgmj.74.870.193.
Liver fibrosis and its related complications continue to represent a significant worldwide healthcare burden. Over the past decade there has been considerable improvement in our understanding of the cellular mechanisms and pathophysiology underlying hepatic fibrosis. This greater insight into the relevant basic sciences may lead to the development of novel treatment strategies designed to block the fibrogenic cascade or even enhance matrix degradation. In addition, there have been significant advances in the management of the complications of cirrhosis, with specific treatments now available for some conditions. Perhaps most notably, liver transplantation is now a highly successful treatment for end-stage liver disease and should be considered in all patients with chronic liver disease.
肝纤维化及其相关并发症仍然是全球重大的医疗负担。在过去十年中，我们对肝纤维化潜在的细胞机制和病理生理学的理解有了显著进步。对相关基础科学的更深入了解可能会促使开发出旨在阻断纤维化级联反应甚至增强基质降解的新型治疗策略。此外，肝硬化并发症的管理也取得了重大进展，现在针对某些病症有了特定的治疗方法。也许最值得注意的是，肝移植现在是治疗终末期肝病的一种非常成功的方法，所有慢性肝病患者都应考虑进行肝移植。
