DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPY OF CHOLESTATIC LIVER-DISEASE

The evaluation of adult patients with a cholestatic biochemical liver profile can be challenging, because the differential diagnosis is exte nsive. If a patient presents with a cholestatic biochemical profile, w ith or without jaundice, it usually results from one of two major dise ase processes-biliary obstruction (intra- or extrahepatic) or parenchy mal liver diseases. In the majority of cholestatic liver diseases, a d iagnosis can be made with a careful history and physical examination a nd appropriate imaging studies. Therapy, in addition to the treatment of the specific liver disease, should address the management of compli cations unique to cholestasis and progressive liver failure.