TREATMENTS &
RESEARCH
latest
treatment
information
here.
Dr. Huntley's
Diagnosis
Checklist
See what questions
a doctor would ask.
For details see prevalence of types of Fibrosis analysis; summary of available prevalence data:
For details see incidence of types of Fibrosis analysis; summary of available incidence by type data:
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the prevalence and/or incidence of Fibrosis.
The gene responsible for cystic fibrosis (located on chromosome 7) encodes a protein that involves chloride transport across epithelial membranes; over 100 specific mutations of the gene are known. (See Cystic fibrosis transmission risk.) The immediate causes of symptoms in cystic fibrosis are increased viscosity of bronchial, pancreatic, and other mucous gland secretions and consequent obstruction of glandular ducts. Cystic fibrosis accounts for almost all cases of pancreatic enzyme deficiency in children.
In the United States, the incidence of cystic fibrosis is highest in Whites of northern European ancestry (1 in 2,000 live births) and lowest in Blacks (1 in 17,000 live births), Native Americans, and people of Asian ancestry. The disease occurs equally in both sexes.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
These clinical types of cirrhosis reflect its diverse etiology:
❑ Portal, nutritional, or alcoholic (Laennec’s) cirrhosis, the most common type, occurs in 30% to 50% of cirrhotic patients, up to 90% of whom have a history of alcoholism. Liver damage results from malnutrition, especially of dietary protein, and chronic alcohol ingestion. Fibrous tissue forms in portal areas and around central veins.
❑ Biliary cirrhosis (15% to 20% of patients) results from injury or prolonged obstruction.
❑ Postnecrotic (posthepatic) cirrhosis (10% to 30% of patients) stems from various types of hepatitis.
❑ Pigment cirrhosis (5% to 10% of patients) may result from disorders such as hemochromatosis.
❑ Cardiac cirrhosis (rare) refers to liver damage caused by right-sided heart failure.
❑ Idiopathic cirrhosis (about 10% of patients) has no known cause.
Noncirrhotic fibrosis may result from schistosomiasis or congenital hepatic fibrosis or may be idiopathic.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
IPF is the result of a cascade of events that involve inflammatory, immune, and fibrotic processes in the lung. However, despite many studies and hypotheses, the stimulus that begins the progression remains unknown. Speculation has revolved around viral and genetic causes, but no good evidence has been found to support either theory. However, it’s clear that chronic inflammation plays an important role. Inflammation develops the injury and the fibrosis that ultimately distorts and impairs the structure and function of the alveolocapillary gas exchange surface.
IPF is slightly more common in men than in women and is more common in smokers than in nonsmokers. It usually affects people ages 50 to 70.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
The term 'prevalence' of Fibrosis usually refers to the estimated population of people who are managing Fibrosis at any given time. The term 'incidence' of Fibrosis refers to the annual diagnosis rate, or the number of new cases of Fibrosis diagnosed each year. Hence, these two statistics types can differ: a short-lived disease like flu can have high annual incidence but low prevalence, but a life-long disease like diabetes has a low annual incidence but high prevalence. For more information see about prevalence and incidence statistics.
What do you think about the features of this website? Take our user survey and have your say:
Next articles:
Tools & Services:
Medical Articles:
Search Specialists by State and City
By using this site you agree to our Terms of Use. Information provided on this site is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as a substitute for advice from your own medical team. The information on this site is not to be used for diagnosing or treating any health concerns you may have - please contact your physician or health care professional for all your medical needs. Please see our Terms of Use.
Copyright © 2009 Health Grades Inc. All rights reserved.