Scientists Study Impact of Liver Disease

U.S. researchers have launched an investigative study designed to better understand the physical and psychological effects of liver disease.

The research consisting of three joint, but independent, clinical studies is being conduced by Dr. Naomi Lynn Hurwitz Gerber of George Mason University and colleagues at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Fairfax, Va. It is designed to improve the quality of life of those with various forms of liver disease.

In short, this research will help us better understand the symptoms by studying the performance and physiology of liver disease patients, said Gerber. “For example, if we have two patients with the same diagnosis, they may have two different levels of functional activity.

This may be due to a variety of things, including their overall health, their prior level of physical activity and even their motivational level, she said. We’re really doing a scientific investigation to evaluate physical function and assess what contributes to or is a barrier to people doing well.

Gerber said she hopes the research will lead to creation of an assessment tool that can help physicians identify functional level and treatment options that may be effective in preventing disability or restoring functional ability.