Cells in the liver. Functions in health and disease -- Physiology of liver function -- Assessment of liver function in clinical practice -- Physiology of the splanchnic and hepatic circulations -- Fibrosis as main mechanism of chronic liver disease -- Stem cells in the liver -- The role of inflammatory mediators in liver failure -- Genomics of the liver in health and disease -- Hepatic encephalopathy and alterations of cerebral function -- Bacterial translocation and alterations of the digestive system -- SIRS, bacterial infections and alterations of the immune system -- Extracellular fluid volume regulation and renal function -- The heart in chronic liver failure -- Hemostasis abnormalities in chronic liver failure -- The systemic and splanchnic circulations -- Liver microcirculation -- Angiogenesis in liver diseases -- Pulmonary alterations in chronic liver failure -- Adrenal function in chronic liver failure -- Antibiotic prophylaxis and management of bacterial infections -- Management of ascites and hyponatremia -- Management of renal failure -- Therapy of Hemostasis abnormalities in chronic liver failure -- Prevention and management of gastrointestinal bleeding -- Extracorporeal artificial liver support systems -- Issues in transplantation of patients with chronic liver failure -- Management of chronic liver failure in the intensive care unit.

Chronic liver failure is a frequent condition in clinical practice that encompasses all manifestations of patients with end-stage liver diseases. Chronic liver failure is a multiorgan syndrome that affects the liver, kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, adrenal glands, and vascular, coagulation, and immune systems. Chronic Liver Failure: Mechanisms and Management covers for the first time all aspects of chronic liver failure in a single book, from pathogenesis to current management. Each chapter is written by a worldwide known expert in their area and all provide the latest state-of-the-art knowledge. This volume is specifically designed to provide answers to clinical questions to all doctors dealing with patients with liver diseases, not only clinical gastroenterologists and hepatologists, but also to internists, nephrologists, intensive care physicians, and transplant surgeons.