Chronic liver diseases represent an important entity in the health system on a global scale. In the setting of cirrhosis, most patients develop portal hypertension (PH) and may potentially develop complications such as hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, renal dysfunction or spontaneous bacterial peritonitis; these are major life-threatening complications. Compared to cirrhosis liver vascular diseases are a clinical minority, and given their low frequency it is a challenge to gather enough knowledge to make significant advances in their management. In addition, these vascular disorders can cause non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. Prognosis of patients with liver vascular diseases mainly depends on its development, as the appearance of gastroesophageal varices or ascites have a significant negative impact on patient outcomes. This is especially relevant in young patients with an otherwise normal life expectancy that could be markedly reduced if not adequately treated. Hence the importance of expanding knowledge in the pathophysiology, natural history, diagnostic tools and potential treatments of liver vascular diseases.
The goal of this Research Topic is to provide a platform for potential authors to highlight recent advances in portal hypertension research, both in cirrhosis and in liver vascular disease.
We therefore invite authors to contribute with highly innovative original papers or critical reviews in this field through clinical research, and/or basic laboratory techniques.
Furthermore, introduction of novel therapies and management strategies for PH have been limited for the past 20-30 years; we encourage researchers and clinicians in the area of hepatology to contribute their newest research on novel aspects of PH, and on new therapeutic strategies and/or interventional techniques in portal hypertension that have the potential to reduce portal pressure and to improve patient outcome.
Chronic liver diseases represent an important entity in the health system on a global scale. In the setting of cirrhosis, most patients develop portal hypertension (PH) and may potentially develop complications such as hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, renal dysfunction or spontaneous bacterial peritonitis; these are major life-threatening complications. Compared to cirrhosis liver vascular diseases are a clinical minority, and given their low frequency it is a challenge to gather enough knowledge to make significant advances in their management. In addition, these vascular disorders can cause non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. Prognosis of patients with liver vascular diseases mainly depends on its development, as the appearance of gastroesophageal varices or ascites have a significant negative impact on patient outcomes. This is especially relevant in young patients with an otherwise normal life expectancy that could be markedly reduced if not adequately treated. Hence the importance of expanding knowledge in the pathophysiology, natural history, diagnostic tools and potential treatments of liver vascular diseases.
The goal of this Research Topic is to provide a platform for potential authors to highlight recent advances in portal hypertension research, both in cirrhosis and in liver vascular disease.
We therefore invite authors to contribute with highly innovative original papers or critical reviews in this field through clinical research, and/or basic laboratory techniques.
Furthermore, introduction of novel therapies and management strategies for PH have been limited for the past 20-30 years; we encourage researchers and clinicians in the area of hepatology to contribute their newest research on novel aspects of PH, and on new therapeutic strategies and/or interventional techniques in portal hypertension that have the potential to reduce portal pressure and to improve patient outcome.
