Improvements in living conditions and advancements in
medical facilities have led to an increase in life expectancy. In Turkey and
the United States, the age of 65 is considered the threshold for old age.
Various changes are observed in the morphology of the liver, blood flow,
cellular activity, and functions in the geriatric population. Liver volume,
liver blood flow, phagocytic activity, immune responses, and regenerative
capacity decrease. The liver is remarkable in preserving its functions even in
advanced age. However, elderly patients are at a higher risk of severe liver
damage when exposed to various factors (hepatitis viruses, acetaminophen,
isoniazid, etc.). This increased risk may be associated with the decreased
regenerative capacity of the liver with age. Nevertheless, despite the
age-related decrease in portal blood flow, there is no increased risk of
developing portal hypertension, and treatment should be planned as in younger
patients. However, caution should be exercised regarding drug side effects and
the risks of hypotension, coronary, and cerebral ischemia due to variceal
bleeding that may occur as a result of portal hypertension.
Kitap Adı:
Gastroenteroloji Ve Geriatri
Atıf Sayısı :
