Bile Acids and Pregnancy


Book Description

Pregnancy represents an allograft in so far that half of the antigens are foreign to the mother. Therefore, a bidirectional interaction between the maternal and the fetal immune systems must exist, which could be disturbed by preexisting autoimmune liver diseases. Since nowadays autoimmune liver diseases are increasingly detected as early stage diseases due to modern diagnostic procedures, e.g. in women of childbearing age, and since the number of posttransplant pregnancies has become an issue due to improved survival, questions concerning regnancy, autoimmune liver disease and treatment options with bile acids and/or immunosuppressants are of an ever-increasing interest. This book, the proceedings of a Falk Workshop held in Freiburg, Germany, on June 2, 2002, is certainly unable to give any definite answers to any of the hundreds of still remaining questions in this fascinating field, but hopefully it will help to stimulate and initiate cooperation among immunologists, bile acid researchers, gynaecologists and internists.




OBSTETRICS


Book Description




Itch


Book Description

Advances in itch research have elucidated differences between itch and pain but have also blurred the distinction between them. There is a long debate about how somatic sensations including touch, pain, itch, and temperature sensitivity are encoded by the nervous system. Research suggests that each sensory modality is processed along a fixed, direct-line communication system from the skin to the brain. Itch: Mechanisms and Treatment presents a timely update on all aspects of itch research and the clinical treatment of itch that accompanies many dermatological conditions including psoriasis, neuropathic itch, cutaneous t-cells lymphomas, and systemic diseases such as kidney and liver disease and cancer. Composed of contributions from distinguished researchers around the world, the book explores topics such as: Neuropathic itch Peripheral neuronal mechanism of itch The role of PAR-2 in neuroimmune communication and itch Mrgprs as itch receptors The role of interleukin-31 and oncostatin M in itch and neuroimmune communication Spinal coding of itch and pain Spinal microcircuits and the regulation of itch Examining new findings on cellular and molecular mechanisms, the book is a compendium of the most current research on itch, its prevalence in society, and the problems associated with treatment.







Liver Disease in Children


Book Description

Liver disease in children is increasing in prevalence, placing a huge burden on healthcare systems and often requiring long-term management. Offering an integrative approach to the science and clinical practice of pediatric hepatology, this is the definitive reference text for improved diagnosis and treatment strategies. In the new edition of this authoritative text, chapters have been thoroughly revised in line with major advances in the field, such as recognizing the increased frequency of fatty liver disease, and how genetic testing has the potential to establish earlier diagnoses for a variety of diseases. Disorders covered include cholestasis, metabolic disorders and hepatitis, with their presentation across the spectrum of infancy, childhood and adolescence discussed. The indications and surgical aspects of liver transplant are explained and post-transplant care is described in detail. This is a valuable resource for pediatricians, hepatologists, gastroenterologists and all clinicians involved in the care of children with liver diseases.




The Liver


Book Description

Bridging the gap between basic scientific advances and the understanding of liver disease — the extensively revised new edition of the premier text in the field. The latest edition of The Liver: Biology and Pathobiology remains a definitive volume in the field of hepatology, relating advances in biomedical sciences and engineering to understanding of liver structure, function, and disease pathology and treatment. Contributions from leading researchers examine the cell biology of the liver, the pathobiology of liver disease, the liver’s growth, regeneration, metabolic functions, and more. Now in its sixth edition, this classic text has been exhaustively revised to reflect new discoveries in biology and their influence on diagnosing, managing, and preventing liver disease. Seventy new chapters — including substantial original sections on liver cancer and groundbreaking advances that will have significant impact on hepatology — provide comprehensive, fully up-to-date coverage of both the current state and future direction of hepatology. Topics include liver RNA structure and function, gene editing, single-cell and single-molecule genomic analyses, the molecular biology of hepatitis, drug interactions and engineered drug design, and liver disease mechanisms and therapies. Edited by globally-recognized experts in the field, this authoritative volume: Relates molecular physiology to understanding disease pathology and treatment Links the science and pathology of the liver to practical clinical applications Features 16 new “Horizons” chapters that explore new and emerging science and technology Includes plentiful full-color illustrations and figures The Liver: Biology and Pathobiology, Sixth Edition is an indispensable resource for practicing and trainee hepatologists, gastroenterologists, hepatobiliary and liver transplant surgeons, and researchers and scientists in areas including hepatology, cell and molecular biology, virology, and drug metabolism.







Cholestatic Liver Disease


Book Description

Since the publication of the first edition, there have been advances in both the diagnosis and the management of many of the cholestatic liver diseases. Cholestatic Liver Disease, Second Edition thoroughly updates the topics previously addressed, such as primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis and cholestatic variants of drug hepatotoxicity and viral disease. New treatments, such as the development of the farnesoid X receptor agonists for the treatment of PBC, are highlighted. Current guidelines and areas of uncertainty are also covered. Additionally, new chapters have been added to reflect the changing landscape of cholestatic liver disease. Cholestatic Liver Disease, Second Edition is a concise yet comprehensive summary of the current status of the field and is of value to clinicians and researchers interested in patients with cholestatic liver disease provide that will help to guide patient management and stimulate investigative efforts.




Pocket Handbook of GI Pharmacotherapeutics


Book Description

Although there are many pharmacology texts, and electronic sources of drug information relating to GI disorders, they are frequently encyclopedic, and practical information can be difficult to find. In Pocket Handbook of GI Pharmacotherapeutics, George Wu and Achilles Pappano create a text that combines the current treatment protocols and practical pharmacological information of prominent GI disorders for the first time. Chapters are disease specific, and contain treatment algorithms and therapy guides that present all the essential information in a compact, easy to reference handbook. The text contains practical clinical information in a highly accessible format, including keys for relative costs and the FDA pregnancy rating system for drug safety. Informative and unique, Pocket Handbook of GI Pharmacotherapeutics is a must have reference for any internist, gastroenterologist or general practioner who endeavors to provide better treatment of their patients.




Obstetric Medicine


Book Description

Recognition of the importance of maternal medicine is now reflected in the content of the MRCOG exam, core training and higher training in both obstetrics and medicine. This book approaches obstetric medicine from the point of view of real patients and clinical scenarios as well as model answers to exam questions. The book will be invaluable for trainees and consultants who want to ‘test themselves’.