In this work, leading physicians; hepatologists; pharmacologists; pathologists; and transplant surgeons discuss the most recent advances in the field of liver disease and its treatment. Attention is focused on epidemiology; the diagnosis of disease (clinical chemistry, histopathology, medical imaging analysis); prognosis; prediction; and clinical management. Pathogenesis of diseases such as liver cirrhosis following viral disease or alcohol abuse are discussed at length, and special attention is dedicated to high risk patients (children, fulminant hepatitis). The other major topics include terminal liver failure, for which transplantation is now routine. The latter is discussed in depth, starting from the organ donor management; organ evaluation and preservation; new surgical techniques; post-transplant patient follow-up including side effects of immunosuppression; and reports of the latest drugs used to prevent rejection.
