Terminology in liver disease

Hepatocellular injury
Damage to the main cells of the liver (hepatocytes)

Hepatitis
 Inflammation of the liver, a type of hepatocellular injury. Could
be caused by viruses, drugs, or other agents, or could be
idiosyncratic.

Cirrhosis
 Chronic, irreversible damage to liver cells, usually caused by
alcohol or hepatitis C. If the remaining cells cannot maintain
normal liver function (compensated disease), ascites, jaundice,
and encephalopathy can develop (decompensated disease).

Cholestasis 
Reduction in bile production or bile fl ow through the bile
ducts.

Liver failure 
Severe hepatic dysfunction where compensatory mechanisms
are no longer suffi cient to maintain homeostasis. Could be
acute and reversible, or irreversible (e.g. endstage cirrhosis).

FDA Warns of Rare Acetaminophen Risk

Acetaminophen, a fever and pain reliever that is one of the most widely used medicines in the U.S., can cause rare but serious skin reactions, warns the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Although rare, possible reactions to acetaminophen include three serious skin diseases whose symptoms can include rash, blisters and, in the worst case, widespread damage to the surface of skin. If you are taking acetaminophen and develop a rash or other skin reaction, stop taking the product immediately and seek medical attention right away.