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).
