Via practica 4-5/2008

ELEVATED „LIVER ENZYMES“ IN HEPATOLOGIC OFFICE/CLINICAL PRACTICE – CASE REPORTS

In the European Union liver diseases, according to Eurostat, now account for at least one in six death in Europe. Viral hepatitis is the most prevalent cause of liver diseases (beside metabolic diseases – NAFLD – Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, NASH – Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis). Liver diseases because of their serious consequences, rising incidence and prevalence represents epidemiologic, medicinal, political and social problem and the need of systemic approach. Author presents case reports from clinical practice and calls atention to the need of responsible differential diagnostic procedures of elevated liver enzymes in practice of phamily physician. Also better cooperation of phamily physicians and hepatologists is highlighted.

Keywords: elevated liver enzymes, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), chronic hepatitis C (CHC), drug-induced liver injury.