Dr. Pathik Parikh Hepatologist and Liver Transplant Physician

  Deciding the right time for a liver transplant after cirrhosis involves a careful evaluation of several factors. Liver transplantation is typically considered when the liver damage is severe, and the patient's life is at risk. Here are some key considerations: Severity of Cirrhosis: The progression of cirrhosis is categorized into stages (usually classified as stages 1 to 4). Transplantation is generally considered when a patient reaches advanced stages (3 and 4) and experiences significant liver dysfunction. Symptoms and Complications: The presence of complications related to cirrhosis, such as ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdomen), hepatic encephalopathy (brain dysfunction due to liver failure), and variceal bleeding, may indicate the need for transplantation. Liver Function Tests: Monitoring liver function tests, including measures of liver enzymes, bilirubin levels, and blood clotting factors, helps assess the degree of liver dysfunction and guides decisions about tr...

  Intermittent fasting (IF) has gained popularity in recent years as a potential strategy for managing various health conditions, including fatty liver disease. Fatty liver disease, also known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver. It can range from simple fatty liver (steatosis) to a more severe condition called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can lead to liver inflammation and scarring (fibrosis). There is some evidence to suggest that intermittent fasting may be beneficial for individuals with fatty liver disease, although more research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety. Here are some key points to consider: Weight Loss: Intermittent fasting may lead to weight loss, which is a primary goal in managing fatty liver disease. Losing excess weight can help reduce the fat buildup in the liver and improve liver function. Improved Insulin Sensitivity: Intermittent fasting may improve insuli...

  Upper GI Bleed – Blood Vomitus or Black Stools Cirrhosis is diffuse permanent damage to the liver. Once somebody develops cirrhosis, they are likely to face some or the other complications in upcoming 3-5 years. It is good to keep oneself aware about possible complications. One of the complications is gastrointestinal bleeding. Hematemesis means vomiting of blood. Whenever a person has blood in his vomit, we call it as hematemesis. It is major and life-threatening complication of cirrhosis of the liver. Reason for Blood in Vomit in cirrhosis Esophageal Varices Gastric Varices Under normal circumstances, the blood that flows from spleen and the intestines enters a vessel known as portal vein and it in turn enters the liver for filtration. The blood from the liver enters the hepatic veins and from where it enters the heart and goes into the systemic circulation. However, when there is cirrhosis of the liver, this liver does not allow the blood to pass smoothly and it provides a res...

  Liver Disease in Gujarat There is a myth that because alcohol is banned in Gujarat, there is no  liver disease in Gujarat . Though, alcohol is one of the major reasons for liver failure, there are many other diseases which one needs to be aware of. The most common cause of  liver failure in India  is  Hepatitis B . The most common cause of liver cancer is Hepatitis B. Those who were born before 2002 need to check themselves for hepatitis B. vaccination is available and is now a part of national immunization schedule. Hepatitis B has no symptoms and the only way to diagnose is a simple blood test. If you have received blood transfusion in past, you have the risk of being exposed to  Hepatitis C. The diet in Gujarat is full of sugars and oils. With adaption of western sedentary lifestyle, obesity and diabetes is on the rise. With that fatty liver is also on the rise.  Fatty liver  can cause liver damage similar to that caused by alcohol. Fatty liv...

  Intermittent fasting as a treatment for fatty liver Fatty liver is seen in nearly one third of world’s population. Obesity is the major predisposing factor for fatty liver. Lifestyle modification forms a major therapeutic option for fatty liver. Calorie restriction and exercise forms the crux of lifestyle modification. Different diets have been tried for fatty liver. Mediterranean diet has the major validation. Rest all diets have failed to show significant benefits. Intermittent fasting Intermittent fasting (IF) is a dietary intervention that involves periodic intervals ofcomplete or almost complete abstinence from food and energy-containing fluids. Thepractice of IF has been performed since thetime of the earliest civilizations, mainly forreligious or cultural reasons. Our society performs these by different fasts for different festivals. IF has shown rapid acceptance and growth amongst all strata of people. Previous studies have reported weight loss, improvement in insulin res...