Enfermedades hepáticas y su relación con hiperglicemia / The relationship between liver diseases and hyperglycemia

La Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) y las enfermedades crónicas del hígado(ECH), definida para esta revisión como cualquier alteración funcional o estructural de este órgano, desde inflamación hasta fibrosis, son patologías que frecuentemente se asocian, y su coexistencia se relaciona con peor pronóstico y mayores complicaciones de ambas entidades. El objetivo de este artículo es describir la relación entre hiperglicemia y enfermedades del hígado, sus procesos fisiopatológicos comunes y tratamiento, distinguiendo las patologías más relevantes, entre ellas la Diabetes Hepatogénica (DH), la enfermedad hepática por Virus Hepatitis C (VHC) y la Enfermedad Hepática Grasa No Alcohólica (EHGNA). La DH es aquella diagnosticada en pacientes con cirrosis asociada a insuficiencia hepática, sin antecedentes previos de alteración de la glicemia. En la actualidad el diagnóstico se realiza en etapas tardías de la enfermedad. El VHC tiene un efecto diabetogénico conocido. Algunas terapias antivirales usadas para VHC evidencian mejoría de las alteraciones metabólicas al lograr respuestas virológicas sostenidas. En DM2, la EHGNA es frecuente, con mayor incidencia de fibrosis, hepatocarcinoma (HCC) y riesgo cardiovascular (RCV). Es necesario realizar una pesquisa e intervención precoz de EHGNA a los pacientes con DM2. En el manejo de éstos, la baja de peso ha demostrado ser efectiva en el control glicémico y en la mejoría histológica. Dentro de las terapias antidiabéticas, además del uso de metformina, debería considerarse aquellas que han demostrado a la fecha beneficios en EHGNA, como son tiazolidinedionas (pioglitazona) y/o análogos de GLP-1 (liraglutide) y optimizar el control de otros factores de RCV.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM2) and chronic liver diseases (CLD) defined in this revision as any functional or structural alteration in the organ, covering from inflammation to fibrosis, are pathologies that are frequently associated, and when found together are related to worse prognosis and higher complications in both conditions. The objective of this article is to describe the relationship between hyperglycemia and liver diseases, their common physio-pathological processes and treatments, identifying the most important pathologies, including Hepatogenic Diabetes (HD), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) liver disease and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Hepatogenic diabetes (HD) is diagnosed in patients with liver failure associated to cirrhosis with no previous record of impaired glycemia. Currently, diagnosis is made during the late stages of the disease. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has a known diabetogenic effect. Some antiviral therapies used for HCV show improvement in metabolic alterations by achieving sustained virological responses. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in DM2 patients is common, presenting higher risk for fibrosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and increased cardiovascular risk (CVR). Early screening and interventions for NAFLD in DM patients are necessary. Weight loss has been shown to be effective in glycemic control and histological improvement. Anti-diabetic therapies, in addition to the use of metformin, should consider therapies that have shown benefits for managing NAFLD, such as thiazolidinedione (pioglitazones) and/or aGLP-1 (Liraglutide), and optimally controlling other cardiovascular risk (CVR) factors.

Déficit de Alfa-1 antitripsina, una causa de hepatopatía crónica comúnmente insospechada en el adulto: presentación de 9 casos con revisión de literatura / ALFA-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a commonly missed cause of chronic liver disease in the adult: presentation of 9 cases with review of current literature

Introducción: El déficit de alfa-1 Antitripsina (a1AT) es una de las enfermedades genéticas más prevalentes en el ser humano, lastimosamente como entidad clínica tiende a ser pobremente sospechada. Con más de 100 mutaciones conocidas, las que se encuentran asociadas a enfermedad hepática son los homocigotos Z en el alelo del gen a1AT que ocurre en 1 a 2000- 3500 nacimientos. A diferencia de la enfermedad pulmonar donde las secuelas ocurren primordialmente por el déficit propio de la a1AT con destrucción enzimática de la microestructura de la vía aérea, el compromiso hepático ocurre por acúmulo intracelular de la proteína Z mutante, que se desdobla de forma aberrante, en vez de ser secretada. Esta acumulación produce lesión celular, hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrosis y carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC) por desencadenar una serie de eventos que culminan con la apoptosis hepatocitaria, regeneración e injuria crónica. Materiales y métodos: Se presentan 9 casos de pacientes que se han encontrado bajo nuestro cuidado, con edades variadas desde infantes hasta adultos mayores. Resultados: Cada uno con una presentación clínica distinta que va desde la elevación de enzimas hepáticas y otros como cirrosis que se han trasplantado con diagnóstico confirmatorio postquirúrgico. Conclusión: Se comenta acerca del manejo de la hepatopatía y su progresión a lo largo del tiempo que se han mantenido en la clínica de hígado a nuestro cargo.

Introduction: Alfa 1-antitrypsin deficiency is one of the most prevalent genetic diseases in the human being, sadly it is not a commonly suspected clinical entity. With more than 100 known mutations, those associated with hepatic disease are the Z homocygote allele mutations in the gene a1AT which occur in every 2000-3500 births. Opposing to the pulmonary disease, in which de sequelae are caused by the deficit of this protein which in turn fastens the enzymatic destruction of the airway microstructure, the hepatic compromise is secondary to the intracellular accumulation of the aberrant misfolded protein. This accumulation causes cellular damage, hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma through activation of a series of mechanisms which culminate in hepatocitary apoptosis, regeneration and chronic cellular injury. Materials and methods: 9 cases of confirmed a1AT deficiency are presented, from different ages ranging from adolescence through elderly patients. Results: Each of one of them with different clinical presentation going from asymptomatic liver enzyme elevations to transplanted cirrhosis in which the diagnosis was post procedural. Conclusion: We comment about the management of the chronic liver disease and the evolution of these patients through time in the liver clinic.

Hepatobiliary disease in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis / Doença hepatobiliar em crianças e adolescentes com fibrose cística

Abstract Objectives: The aims of the study were to determine the frequency of hepatobiliary disease in patients with cystic fibrosis and to describe the sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory profile of these patients. Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive, and analytical study of 55 patients diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, aged between 3 months and 21 years, followed-up from January 2008 to June 2016 in a referral center. Medical records were consulted and sociodemographic, clinical and laboratory data, including hepatobiliary alterations, imaging studies, genetic studies, liver biopsies, and upper digestive endoscopies were registered. Results: Hepatobiliary disease was diagnosed in 16.4% of the patients and occurred as an initial manifestation of cystic fibrosis in 55.6% of these cases. The diagnosis of hepatopathy occurred before or concomitantly with the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis in 88.9% of the children. All patients with hepatobiliary disease were considered non-white, with a predominance of females (77.8%) and median (IQR) of 54 (27-91) months. Compared with the group without hepatobiliary disease, children with liver disease had a higher frequency of severe mutations identified in the CFTR gene (77.8% vs. 39.6%, p = 0.033) and severe pancreatic insufficiency (88.9% vs. 31.6%, p = 0.007). Conclusion: The frequency of hepatobiliary disease was high, with a very early diagnosis of the disease and its complications in the studied series. A statistical association was observed between the occurrence of hepatobiliary disease and the presence of pancreatic insufficiency and severe mutations in the CFTR gene. It is emphasized that cystic fibrosis is an important differential diagnosis of liver diseases in childhood.

Resumo Objetivos: Os objetivos do estudo foram determinar a frequência da doença hepatobiliar em pacientes com fibrose cística e descrever o perfil sociodemográfico, clínico e laboratorial destes. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, descritivo e analítico de 55 pacientes com diagnóstico de fibrose cística, entre três meses e 21 anos, acompanhados de janeiro de 2008 a junho de 2016 em um centro de referência. Foi realizada consulta aos prontuários médicos, registrando-se os dados sociodemográficos, clínicos e laboratoriais, incluindo-se alterações hepatobiliares, exames de imagem, estudos genéticos, biópsias hepáticas e endoscopias digestivas altas. Resultados: A doença hepatobiliar foi diagnosticada em 16,4% dos pacientes e ocorreu como manifestação inicial da fibrose cística em 55,6% destes casos. O diagnóstico da hepatopatia ocorreu antes ou concomitante ao diagnóstico da fibrose cística em 88,9% das crianças. Todos os pacientes com doença hepatobiliar foram considerados não brancos, havendo predominância do sexo feminino (77,8%) e mediana (I.I.Q) de idade de 54 (27-91) meses. Em comparação com o grupo sem doença hepatobiliar, as crianças com hepatopatia tiveram maior frequência de mutações graves no gene CFTR identificadas (77,8% vs 39,6%; p = 0,033) e de insuficiência pancreática grave (88,9% vs 31,6%; p = 0,007). Conclusão: A frequência de doença hepatobiliar foi elevada, observando-se um diagnóstico muito precoce da mesma e de suas complicações na casuística estudada. Houve associação estatística entre a ocorrência de doença hepatobiliar e a presença de insuficiência pancreática e de mutações graves do gene CFTR. Enfatiza-se que a fibrose cística represente um importante diagnóstico diferencial de hepatopatias na infância.

Chronic hepatothorax due to right diaphragmatic rupture: an anesthetic challenge in a rare case / Hepatotórax crônico devido à ruptura do diafragma direito: um desafio anestésico em um caso raro

Abstract Background: Diaphragmatic rupture is an uncommon condition, with 90% of ruptures occurring on the left side. However, its incidence on the right side is increasing along with the increase in traffic accidents. Liver herniation may become progressive causing severe atelectasis of the right lung, resulting in impaired respiratory status and hemodynamic changes. Case report: We report the case of a 40 years old female, ASA III, scheduled for hepatothorax repair that evolved from right diaphragmatic hernia after a car accident when she was 8 years old. Clinically, she had severe restrictive respiratory syndrome caused by the hepatothorax. The anesthetic evaluation was normal, except for the chest X-ray showing elevation of the dome of the right hemidiaphragm without tracheal deviation. Diagnosis was confirmed by CT scan. After liver replacement in the abdominal cavity, a transient increase in central venous pressure, stroke volume index and flow time corrected (35%), and a decrease in systemic vascular resistance were observed. After complete hemodynamic and hepatosplenic stabilization, as well as ventilation, the patient was transferred intubated, under controlled ventilation and monitored, to the liver transplant unit. Conclusions: Hepatothorax is a rare condition and its repair may represent an anesthetic challenge. After liver replacement in the abdominal cavity during corrective surgery under general anesthesia complications may occur, particularly associated with pulmonary re-expansion. Effective teamwork and careful planning of surgery, between the surgical and anesthetic teams, are the key to success.

Resumo Justificativa: A ruptura diafragmática é uma condição incomum e ocorre em 90% no lado esquerdo. No entanto, a incidência de ruptura à direita tem vindo a aumentar junto com o aumento dos acidentes automobilísticos. A herniação do fígado pode tornar-se progressiva, causar atelectasia grave do pulmão direito, resultar num débil estado respiratório e alterações hemodinâmicas. Relato de caso: Mulher de 40 anos, estado físico ASA 3, marcada para reparação de hepatotórax que evoluiu de hérnia diafragmática direita, adquirida aos 8 anos, após um acidente automobilístico. Clinicamente apresentava síndrome respiratória restritiva grave, causada pelo hepatotórax. A avaliação anestésica era normal, com exceção da radiografia do tórax, que evidenciava elevação da hemicúpula diafragmática direita, sem desvio traqueal. Diagnóstico foi confirmado por tomografia computadorizada. Depois da recolocação do fígado na cavidade abdominal foram observados um aumento transitório da pressão venosa central, do Stroke Volume Index e Flow Time Corrected (35%) e uma diminuição da resistência vascular sistêmica. Uma vez alcançada a estabilização hemodinâmica geral e hepatoesplênica, bem como da ventilação, a paciente foi transferida entubada, sob ventilação controlada e monitorada para a Unidade de Transplantação Hepática. Conclusões: O hepatotórax é uma condição rara e a sua correção pode representar um desafio anestésico. Após a recolocação abdominal do fígado, durante uma cirurgia corretiva, sob anestesia geral, podem ocorrer complicações, principalmente as associadas à reexpansão pulmonar. Um trabalho em equipe eficaz e o planejamento cuidadoso da cirurgia, entre as equipes cirúrgica e anestésica, são a chave para o sucesso.

Hepatopatía crónica asociada a fibrosis quística en el Hospital Alberto Sabogal Sologuren, Lima, Perú: reporte de caso / Chronic liver disease associated with cystic fibrosis in th Hospital Alberto Sabogal Sologuren, Lima, Peru: report of a case

La fibrosis quística (FQ) es la enfermedad genética recesiva más frecuente en la población caucásica y está producida por la alteración del transporte de electrolitos y agua en la membrana de las células epiteliales. La enfermedad hepática es una complicación frecuente hacia el final de la primera década de la vida, siendo raro su inicio posterior, excepto en pacientes con antecedente de íleo meconial. La lesión hepática característica en la FQ es la cirrosis biliar focal, aunque también se puede encontrar infiltración grasa. El diagnóstico se realiza considerando los hallazgos clínicos, laboratoriales y de imagen, teniendo en cuenta que las pruebas de función hepática normales no descartan la enfermedad. La ecografía es la técnica más ampliamente utilizada y permite evidenciar la presencia de esteatosis, litiasis, fibrosis, cirrosis, hipertensión portal o las alteraciones del árbol biliar. También están disponibles técnicas como la tomografía computarizada o la resonancia magnética, que permiten efectuar un estudio morfológico. Aspectos importantes en el tratamiento son el manejo nutricional, administración de vitaminas liposolubles y el uso de acido ursodesoxicólico (UDCA). En casos de cirrosis avanzada, el trasplante, aislado o combinado con el pulmonar, es una opción que cabe considerar, con tasas de supervivencia aceptables. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 11 años de edad con diagnóstico de Hepatopatía crónica asociada a fibrosis quística.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most frequent recessive genetic disorder in the caucasian population and is produced by the alteration of electrolyte and water transport in the epithelial cell membrane. Liver disease is a frequent complication towards the end of the first decade of life, being weird its onset, except in patients with a history of meconium ileus. The characteristic liver injury in CF is focal biliary cirrhosis, but fatty infiltration can also be found. The diagnosis is made considering the clinical, laboratory and imaging results having in consideration that the normal liver function tests do not rule out the disease. Ultrasound is the most widely used and can detect the presence of steatosis, stones, fibrosis, cirrhosis, portal hypertension or abnormalities of the biliary tree. There is an also available technique such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, which allows a morphological study. Important aspects in the treatment are nutritional management, administration of soluble vitamins and the use of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). In cases of advanced cirrhosis, transplantation, isolated or combined with the lung, is an option to consider, with acceptable survival rates. We report the case of an 11 year old patient with a diagnosis of chronic liver disease associated with cystic fibrosis.

Diabetes mellitus triggers oxidative stress in the liver of alloxan-treated rats: a mechanism for diabetic chronic liver disease

PURPOSE: To investigate whether Diabetes mellitus chemically induced by alloxan is capable of changing, in the long term, the oxidative balance in the liver tissue of rats. METHODS: Sixty male Wistar rats, weighing 250-280g, were randomly distributed into two experimental groups: NG - 30 non-diabetic control rats; DG - 30 alloxan- induced diabetic rats without any treatment for the disease. Each group was further divided into three subgroups containing ten rats each, which were sacrificed after one, three and six months of follow-up, respectively. Blood glucose, urinary glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and insulin were determined in the plasma of all animals at the beginning of the experiment and prior to all sacrifice periods. The concentrations of lipid hydroperoxides (HP) and the activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were also measured in the liver tissue of all animals. RESULTS: Rats from the DG group showed high levels of blood glucose, urinary glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin, with significantly lower plasma insulin levels than those observed in NG rats (p<0.001). Diabetic animals also showed increased concentration of HP free radicals in the liver tissue as compared to those shown by NG animals after one, three and six months of follow-up. In contrast, the antioxidant activity of the enzymes SOD, CAT and GSH-Px was significantly reduced in all follow-up periods (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes determines oxidative stress in the liver, which is characterized by increased concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in tissue and significant reduction in their antioxidant defenses. Such oxidative unbalance in the liver cells may play a relevant role in the genesis of the diabetic chronic liver disease, including the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and its occasional progression to steatohepatitis and cirrhosis.

Hígado graso no alcohólico: principal causa de enfermedad hepática ambulatoria en un centro privado en Chile: estudio prospectivo marzo-julio 2010 / Non alcoholic fatty liver disease: main cause of outpatient liver disease in a private center in Chile: prospective study March-July 2010

The epidemiology of liver diseases has been changing over the time, with increasing importance of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Objective: To investigate the principal diagnosis of liver diseases in a reference center. Material and Methods: Prospective study of 405 consecutive patients attending theClinica Las Condes Gastroenterology Department, between March and July 2010. Results: 207 (51 percent) were men and 198 (49 percent) women, with a mean age of 54 years old (Range 14-89). From these, 134 (33 percent) had NAFLD, 40 (10 percent) autoimmune hepatitis, 36 (9 percent) primary biliary cirrhosis, 25 (9 percent) chronic hepatitis C, 26 (6,5 percent) Gilbert syndrome, 23 (5,5 percent) acute or chronic hepatitis B, 22 (5 percent) liver transplantation and 87 (65 percent) others diagnosis. From 134 NAFLD cases, 88 (66 percent) were men and 46 (34 percent) women, 72 (54 percent) had overweight, 39 (29 percent) obesity, 100 (75 percent) dyslipidemia and 87 (65 percent) glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and/or diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: NAFLD is currently the main cause of liver disease in a reference center, associated to well known risk factors, increasingly presented in Chile.

La epidemiología de las enfermedades hepáticas ha cambiado a través del tiempo, adquiriendo crecienteimportancia el hígado graso no alcohólico (HGNA). Objetivo: Investigar los principales diagnósticoshepatológicos en un centro de referencia. Material y Método: Estudio prospectivo de 405 pacientes consecutivos ambulatorios, consultantes entre marzo y julio de 2010, al Departamento de Gastroenterología de Clínica Las Condes. Resultados: 207 (51 por ciento) eran hombres y 198 (49 por ciento) mujeres, con edad promedio de 54 años (rango 14-89). De éstos, 134 (33 por ciento) tenían HGNA, 40 (10 por ciento) hepatitis autoinmune, 36 (9 por ciento) cirrosis biliar primaria, 25 (9 por ciento) hepatitis crónica C, 26 (6,5 por ciento) Síndrome de Gilbert, 23 (5,5 por ciento) hepatitis aguda o crónica B, 22 (5 por ciento) trasplante hepático y 89 (22 por ciento) otros diagnósticos. De los 134 casos de HGNA, 88 (66 por ciento) eran hombres y 46 (34 por ciento) mujeres, 72 (54 por ciento) tenían sobrepeso, 39 (29 por ciento) obesidad, 100 (75 por ciento) dislipidemia y 87 (65 por ciento) intolerancia a hidratos de carbono, resistencia a insulina y/o diabetes mellitus. Conclusiones: El HGNA constituye en la actualidad la principal enfermedad hepática en un centro privado en Chile, asociado a factores de riesgo conocidos, cada vez más presentes en nuestro medio.

Ruptura de hematoma subcapsular hepático como complicação da síndrome HELLP - revisão de literatura / Ruptured subcapsular hepatic haematoma as a HELLP syndrome complication - literature review

A síndrome HELLP caracteriza-se pela associação de plaquetopenia, aumento das enzimas hepáticas e presença de hemólise em paciente gestante. O acrônimo representa as iniciais das alterações laboratoriais (hemolysis; elevated liver enzimes; low platelets). Em menos de 2% das gestações complicadas por síndrome HELLP ocorre sangramento espontâneo severo do fígado (formação de hematoma subcapsular), acompanhado de necrose hemorrágica das células hepáticas e ruptura da cápsula de Glisson. Essas intercorrências têm evolução frequentemente fulminante, sendo que elevam a mortalidade materna para mais de 50%. Este artigo apresentou uma revisão de literatura sobre hematoma subcapsular hepático como complicação da síndrome HELLP, uma entidade clínica que, apesar de rara, exige suspeição clínica para diagnóstico rápido e manejo oportuno

HELLP syndrome is characterized by the association of thrombocytopenia, elevated liver enzymes and presence of hemolysis in a pregnant woman. The acronym stands for the initials of the laboratory abnormalities (hemolysis; elevated liver enzymes; low platelets). In less than 2% of pregnancies complicated by HELLP syndrome occurs spontaneous bleeding severe liver disease (formation of sub-capsular hematoma), accompanied by hemorrhagic necrosis of liver cells and rupture of the capsule of Glisson. These outcomes are often fulminant evolution, and maternal mortality amounted to more than 50%. This article presented a literature review on hepatic subcapsular haematoma as a complication of HELLP syndrome, a clinical entity, although rare requires clinical suspicion for a diagnosis of rapid and appropriate management

Renal and extrarenal manifestations of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

The objective of the present study was to determine the frequency of the most common clinical features in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in a sample of the Brazilian population. The medical records of 92 patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease attended during the period from 1985 to 2003 were reviewed. The following data were recorded: age at diagnosis, gender, associated clinical manifestations, occurrence of stroke, age at loss of renal function (beginning of dialysis), and presence of a family history. The involvement of abdominal viscera was investigated by ultrasonography. Intracranial alterations were prospectively investigated by magnetic resonance angiography in 42 asymptomatic patients, and complemented with digital subtraction arteriography when indicated. Mean age at diagnosis was 35.1 ± 14.9 years, and mean serum creatinine at referral was 2.4 ± 2.8 mg/dL. The most frequent clinical manifestations during the disease were arterial hypertension (63.3 percent), lumbar pain (55.4 percent), an abdominal mass (47.8 percent), and urinary infection (35.8 percent). Loss of renal function occurred in 27 patients (mean age: 45.4 ± 9.5 years). The liver was the second organ most frequently affected (39.1 percent). Stroke occurred in 7.6 percent of the patients. Asymptomatic intracranial aneurysm was detected in 3 patients and arachnoid cysts in 3 other patients. In conclusion, the most common clinical features were lumbar pain, arterial hypertension, abdominal mass, and urinary infection, and the most serious complications were chronic renal failure and stroke. Both intracranial aneurysms and arachnoid cysts occurred in asymptomatic patients at a frequency of 7.14 percent.

Programa de hepatopatias do Hospital da Fundação Santa Casa de Misericórdia do Pará: infra-estrutura e epidemiologia clínica em 10 anos de atendimento / The liver diseases program of the Hospital Santa Casa de Misericórdia do Pará: infrastructure and clinical epidemiology in 10 years of attendance

O Programa de Hepatopatias do Hospital da Fundação Santa Casa de Misericórdia do Pará surgiu pela necessidade de prestar assistência a hepatopatas na região amazônica priorizando assistência qualificada, identificação das etiologias, seguimento clínico, e tratamento direcionado. Este trabalho visa descrever dados relativos à epidemiologia clínica, fatores etiológicos e análise histopatológica. Dos 1469 pacientes avaliados, através de exames clínicos, laboratoriais, endoscópicos e de imagem e/ou histopatológico, foram considerados hepatopatas crônicos 935 (63,6%). Nesta casuística, a média de idade foi 50 anos, 666 (71,2%) do sexo masculino e maior procedência de Belém. Os agentes etiológicos mais prevalentes foram alcoolismo (53,7%) e hepatites virais (39,1%). Biópsia hepática realizada em 403/935 (43,1%), demonstrou hepatite crônica (34%) e cirrose (34%) na maioria das amostras. Conclui-se, portanto, que a doença hepática crônica na região é mais prevalente no sexo masculino, sendo o alcoolismo a principal etiologia e mais da metade dos casos se encontravam em fase avançada no momento do diagnóstico.

The Liver Diseases Program of the Hospital Santa Casa de Misericordia do Pará was create because of the need to attend patients with liver diseases of the Amazônia area, taking as priority to attend with quality, diagnosis of aetiologies, clinical following and specific treatment. This study aim to describe dates related to epidemiology, aetiologics agents and histopathologic analisys. One thousand sixthy nine patients were evaluated through medical, laboratory, endoscopic, ultrasound or computadorized tomography and histopathologic examination. Nine hundred thirty five (63,6%) patients within 1469 patients were diagnose as chronic liver disease. The average age was 50 year, 666 (71,2%) were male, and the most patients lived in Belem, state of Pará. The aetiologic agents most prevail were alcoholism (53,7%) and viral hepatitis (39,1%). Hepatic biopsy were done in 403 (43,1%) within the 935 patients and the results showed chronic hepatitis (34%) and chirrosis (34%). In sumary the chronic liver disease in the amazon region is more prevail in male than female, the alcoholism is the principal aetiologie, and the most of these cases were diagnose in the severe phase.

Enfermedades hepáticas de origen ocupacional / Hepatical diseases of occupational source

En los últimos 30 años, varias áreas del tercer mundo han sufrido un rápido y desorganizado proceso de industrialización. La asociación entre ocupación y enfermedad hepática es difícil de establecer porque existe desinformación al respecto. Existen varios tipos de enfermedad hepática de origen ocupacional, lo cual es producto de la diversidad de agentes causales, su modo de acción, su interacción con otros productos y las circustancias en las que se produce el daño. La poca información epidemiológica relacionada con enfermedades hepáticas ocupacionales dificulta la tarea de asociar ocupación con agente agresor. Se hace necesario educar al personal médico y al trabajador acerca del daño potencial que implica el manejo de sustancias tanto biológicas como químicas y la exposición a agentes físicos