Gastroenterology Case Studies

Hepatologists are medical professionals who have the most experience and training in the dealing with hepatitis infections. Their care is usually sought out when other physicians do not have the required experience or qualification to correctly diagnose and treat patients suffering from liver disease.

After completing their undergraduate degree and four years of medical school, much like students looking to become primary care physicians, hepatologist aspirers will complete a three year residency, where the student will come in contact with a variety of clinical and research opportunities relating to diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting nearly all organs. Following this will be a fellowship program in gastroenterology and hepatology

The illness itself lasts for a few weeks, while the patient gradually improves. However, there are a few incidents where a complication may occur and result in acute liver failure. Chronic HBV is a lot more dangerous because it’s long term and can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. If diagnosed with chronic hep B, consultation with an experienced liver specialist, gastroenterologist or hepatologist, is a must. If the patient in case is a child, then the right choice would be a pediatric gastroenterologist or hepatologis. Frequent visits to the specialist will not be required, unless undergoing treatment, as in some cases more blood work and monitoring is needed, but this is usually for short periods of time. Therapy is necessary for patients with a high level of HBV replication and active or advanced liver disease in order to lower HBV DNA levels, stabilize serum alanine aminotransferase and improving liver histology. This can vary from six months to a year. Even though no available medication can clear the infection, they can stop the virus from replicating and minimize liver damage. The goal of this treatment is to prevent complications, like cirrhosis and liver