Chronic liver disease has steadily become one of the leading causes of death worldwide, resulting in an estimated 2 million deaths annually.1 Cirrhosis is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States.2 This piece aims to discuss the main causes of chronic liver disease in Ireland, discuss recent advances in the management of liver disease and highlight some areas of interest for patients and healthcare providers.
Although there are many causes of liver disease, the most common aetiological conditions driving chronic liver disease development include alcohol related liver disease, viral hepatitis and increasingly metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).3 These conditions of course can occur simultaneously and can have a deleterious synergistic effect resulting in increased liver inflammation and development of liver scarring. Internationally the incidence and prevalence of chronic liver disease is increasing significantly, bringing with it significant implications for healthcare systems.4 The natural history of the disease is no different in Ireland and is becoming a significant public health issue that needs urgent action!
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