Liver disease in general practice.

A wide spectrum of liver disease is seen in general practice. For the most part, asymptomatic increases in transaminase may be followed for several months, but the treatable conditions described should be ruled out early on. It is essential do diagnose as promptly as possible Wilson's disease, hemochromatosis, autoimmune heaptitis, and hepatitis B. Drugs are a frequent cause of wild transaminitis. Heavy alcohol consumption as a cause of liver disease must always be suspected, but may be difficult to prove.