The Encyclopedia of Hepatitis And Other Liver Diseases (Facts on File Library of Health and Living)

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver brought on by viral infections, autoimmune diseases, alcohol abuse, exposure to toxins, or other causes. It is most commonly associated with viral hepatitis, which occurs in several different types, but it has also been linked to forms of cancer and other serious medical conditions such as cirrhosis. Liver-related health problems are a growing concern. As many as four million Americans could be infected with some form of hepatitis C, the most common chronic infection in the United States, without even knowing it. Cirrhosis is the seventh most common cause of death in the United States. "The Encyclopedia of Hepatitis and Other Liver Diseases" is a comprehensive guide to recognizing and understanding these medical conditions. Entries cover symptoms, treatments, research, tests, social issues, and much more. Its appendixes include lists of resources and statistics. Its entries include artificial and bio-artificial livers, cirrhosis, drug-induced hepatitis, fulminant hepatitis, hepatitis, liver cancer, liver transplantation, portal hypertension, primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, shock liver, and xenotransplantation.