Viral hepatitis

Viral hepatitis, especially hepatitis B and C, are among the major risk factors for the development of liver cirrhosis in Iran. These infections are transmitted through contaminated blood or other fluids and can become chronic, leading to the gradual destruction of liver tissue and the development of cirrhosis.

Fatty liver disease

Fatty liver disease (FLD) is another significant risk factor that is becoming increasingly prevalent in Iran. This disease is associated with excessive accumulation of fat in the liver, which leads to inflammation and tissue damage. Lack of physical activity, poor diet, obesity and diabetes mellitus are the main risk factors for the development of LBP.

Alcohol abuse

Although alcohol consumption is prohibited in Iran, uncontrolled and illicit alcohol consumption remains a problem. Alcohol abuse can lead to alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver, which is one of the most common types of cirrhosis in the world.

Inadequate treatment for viral hepatitis

Lack of available and effective treatment for viral hepatitis, especially in the case of hepatitis B and C, can lead to chronic forms of these infections and eventually lead to the development of cirrhosis.

Genetic factors

Certain genetic factors can also increase the risk of developing cirrhosis in some people. For example, having genetic mutations associated with iron or copper metabolism disorders can contribute to the development of cirrhosis.

Conclusion

Various factors may increase the risk of developing cirrhosis in Iran and their consideration in medical practice and public health programs is essential. Preventive measures such as viral hepatitis vaccination, promotion of a healthy lifestyle, and early detection and treatment of liver diseases can significantly reduce the burden of cirrhosis and improve public health in Iran.

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Epidemiology of viral hepatitis in Iran

Iran is an endemic area for hepatitis B and C. The country is facing a high prevalence of these infections, which poses serious challenges to the health care system. According to the latest data provided by the Iranian Ministry of Health, approximately 2 million people in the country are infected with the hepatitis B virus and about 500,000 people are infected with the hepatitis C virus.

The main routes of transmission of viral hepatitis in Iran are vertical transmission (mother-to-child), hematogenous transmission (through contaminated blood or blood products) and sexual transmission. Along with this, illicit injecting drug use also plays a significant role in the spread of viral hepatitis among the population.

Prevention measures for viral hepatitis in Iran

A number of preventive measures have been taken to combat the viral hepatitis epidemic in Iran:

• Hepatitis B vaccination. Hepatitis B vaccination is part of the national immunization program in Iran and is available free of charge for all newborns and children over 6 years of age;
• Conducting screening programs. The Iranian Ministry of Health regularly conducts screening programs to identify individuals at high risk of viral hepatitis infection, such as pregnant women, health care workers, and drug addicts;
• Educational campaigns. Conducting educational campaigns among the public on how to prevent viral hepatitis, including information on safe sexual practices and the need to avoid injecting drug use;

Quality control of blood and blood products. Implement strict quality control measures for blood and blood products in health facilities and blood banks to prevent hematogenous transmission of viral hepatitis.

Conclusion

The epidemiology of viral hepatitis in Iran remains a serious public health problem, but with appropriate preventive measures, its prevalence can be significantly reduced and the development of complications can be prevented. Vaccination, screening programs, educational campaigns and blood quality control play a key role in viral hepatitis control.

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Ultrasound diagnostics (USG)

Ultrasound is one of the most common and accessible methods of diagnosing liver disease. This method allows you to visualize the structure and size of the liver, as well as detect the presence of tumors, cysts and other pathologies. Ultrasound can also be used to assess the degree of cirrhosis and monitor its progression.

Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

CT and MRI provide more detailed images of the liver and surrounding tissues than ultrasound. These techniques can be used to determine the size of tumors, assess the extent of cirrhosis, detect cancer metastases, and plan surgery.

Blood biochemical tests

Biochemical blood tests, such as analyzing blood levels of aminotransferases (ALT and AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, and protein, can provide information about liver function and help detect the presence of abnormalities.

Fibroelastography (FibroScan)

FibroScan is a non-invasive method of assessing the degree of fibrosis (fat deposition) in the liver. It is based on measuring the velocity of ultrasound waves in the liver and can be useful for diagnosing cirrhosis and evaluating the effectiveness of treatment.

Liver biopsy

Liver biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing many liver diseases such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. This invasive technique involves taking a small sample of liver tissue for further analysis under a microscope.

Conclusion

Modern methods of diagnosing liver diseases allow doctors to more accurately determine the condition of the liver and detect pathologies in the early stages. Early detection of liver disease using these methods can significantly improve the prognosis and quality of life of patients, providing them with timely treatment and support. It is important to remember that the choice of diagnostic method depends on the individual characteristics of the patient and the nature of the disease, and should be determined by a gastroenterologist or hepatologist.

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The status of liver diseases in Iran

Currently, several major liver pathologies are identified in Iran, which have a high prevalence in the population:

Fatty liver disease (FLD): Considered one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease in Iran. Risk factors such as poor diet, sedentary lifestyle and obesity have led to an increase in the incidence of FLD among adults.

Hepatitis C: This viral hepatitis remains a significant public health problem in Iran. Studies conducted show a high prevalence of hepatitis C in the population, especially among certain risk groups such as drug addicts and people who receive blood transfusions.

Liver cirrhosis: Cirrhosis is the end result of many chronic liver diseases and is one of the leading causes of death in Iran. It is important to note that the major causes of cirrhosis, such as viral hepatitis and LBP, can be prevented or delayed by effective medical care and preventive measures.

Analysis and statistics

Analysis of the prevalence of liver disease in Iran is based on this various sources including national disease registries, medical studies, public health surveys and mortality data. These data make it possible to establish the extent of the problem and to identify trends in the prevalence of diseases among different population groups and in different regions of the country.

According to the latest data provided by the Ministry of Health of Iran, liver diseases remain one of the leading causes of mortality in the country. The high mortality and morbidity rates associated with these diseases emphasize the need for urgent measures to improve the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of liver diseases in Iran.

Conclusion

Analysis of the prevalence of liver diseases in the Iranian population emphasizes the importance of developing and implementing national strategies to prevent and control these diseases. Effective screening programs, access to quality health care, and public education about the dangers of liver diseases can significantly reduce their prevalence and improve the quality of life of the Iranian population.

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