[A General Approach to the Diagnosis and Management of Chronic Liver Damage in Primary Health Care]

Abstract

Chronic liver disease (CLD) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Chile. The progression of the disease generally involves a prolonged asymptomatic phase, during which there is an opportunity for early diagnosis and interventions to prevent progression to advanced disease and its complications. Although risk factors are well-characterized today, and access to diagnostic tests has significantly improved, CLD is not yet included in long-term condition management programs in primary health care (PHC). In this context, it is essential for PHC to focus on primary prevention and early detection of liver diseases, aiming to reduce the socio-health burden of liver cirrhosis, and prevent its progression to decompensated cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Aim: To define the initial management of chronic liver diseases in adults in primary care.

Methods: narrative review.

Results: We provide an overview of the initial management of chronic liver diseases in adults in PHC, including aspects focused on prevention, identification of patients with liver disease, appropriate application of diagnostic tests, delivery of proper counseling, and timely referrals to specialists.