Journal Mobile

Author(s): 
NC McAvoy, PC Hayes
Journal Issue: 
Volume 36: Issue 1: 2006

Format

Abstract

 

The intake of coffee and caffeine has been shown epidemiologically to be  associated  with  improved  liver  function  tests, mainly  in  the  form  of  alanine transaminase  and  gamma  glutamyl  transferase, a  reduction  in  the  incidence  of cirrhosis  and  hepatocellular  carcinoma.  These  observations  suggest  that  coffee drinking is protective to the liver.  Hepatocellular carcinoma is a common tumour worldwide  and  amenable  to  both  primary  and  secondary  preventive  strategies. Surveillance  for  hepatocellular  carcinoma  by  six-monthly  alpha  fetoprotein  and ultrasound scanning in patients with cirrhosis is essential.

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