Primary prevention of cirrhosis. Public health strategies that can make a difference

Abstract

Cirrhosis is associated with high morbidity and mortality and often affects persons during the most productive years of life. In the United States, alcoholic liver disease is the leading contributor to the overall prevalence of cirrhosis, followed by infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). In this article, Drs Karsan, Rojter, and Saab examine lifestyle behaviors that can lead to cirrhosis and enumerate public health strategies aimed at primary prevention.