Dictionary

acute: A disease that is severe, but brief.

albumin: A protein that the liver produces. Low albumin levels mean that there is a problem in the liver.

alchoholism: The dependence on or excessive use of alcohol, which is a leading cause of various types of liver disorders.

ascites: The retention of fluid in the abdominal cavity which is often associated with various liver disorders, such as cirrhosis and hepatitis C.

bile: The yellowish or greenish fluid that is secreted by the liver and aids in digestion and waste disposal.

bilirubin: A reddish or orange colored bile product that is produced by hemoglobin. Excess amounts of bilirubin can cause jaundice.

cholangiography: An x-ray of the bile ducts.

cholestasis: A reduction or the complete stop of bile flow.

chronic: Describes conditions that are ongoing or continual.

cirrhosis: A chronic liver disorder in which liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue and nodules that cause the progressive loss of liver function.

End Stage Liver Disease (ESLD): The point at which cirrhosis or other liver disorders has reached the point of no return. This is when liver transplants are generally the only option to prevent death.

enzymes: Liver-produced proteins that regulate chemical and metabolic processes throughout the human body.