Inflammatory disease of the liver is termed hepatitis, and may be of short (acute) or long (chronic) duration. Viral infections, particularly hepatitis A, B, and C, are common infectious causes of acute hepatitis, whereas alcohol and acetaminophen are the most common toxicologic causes. Chronic hepatitis, defined as inflammation persisting for more than 6 months, may also be due to the hepatitis B and C viruses, alcohol, and immunologic diseases in which the body produces antibodies against its own tissues (autoimmune diseases, Chapter 36). Cirrhosis is the result of chronic hepatitis, and is characterized microscopically by fibrosis of the hepatic lobules. The term 'hepatic failure' denotes a clinical condition in which the biochemical function of the liver is severely, and potentially fatally, compromised.
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