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The eleventh edition welcomes the new Millenium.
Progress in basic and clinical hepatology remains exponential.
Since 1997, the advances have been wideranging,
with those in molecular and cellular biology,
and in diagnosis and treatment, leading the way. In a
world in which information technology gives all too
ready access to individual publications, the eleventh
edition sets the new within established knowledge and
practice.
Viral hepatitis remains the worldwide hepatological
challenge. This is reflected in a change in format with
separate chapters on hepatitis B and C. Molecular virology
continues to expose the inner workings of all the
viruses. New therapeutic approaches are proving more
effective against hepatitis C. Molecular and cellular biologists
are showing us the importance of apoptosis and
the intricate regulation of fibrosis. Mutation analysis for
diagnosis of genetic haemochromatosis is routine, while
the identification of the haemochromatosis gene has led
to a surge of exploration in iron metabolism. Canalicular
transporters have been cloned and linked to cholestatic
syndromes, giving a new perspective to the bile plug
seen under the microscope. Advances in imaging, particularly
magnetic resonance, continue to reduce the
need for invasive techniques. Patients needing transplantation
benefit from improvements in immunosuppression
and surgical techniques, while there is
steady progress in the management of complications of
cirrhosis.
This edition contains more than 1000 new references
and 100 new figures. Developments in publishing allow
a more colourful format, but care has been taken to
preserve clarity. Experience has shown that students,
interns, postgraduate trainees as well as generalists and
specialist clinicians have found previous editions useful.
The goal of the book remains unchanged: a textbook of
manageable size, critical and current. |