Progress in staging, non-invasive diagnosis, prognostic models and treatment of liver cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is the end stage of chronic liver diseases, which is pathologically characterized with diffused fibrosis and pseudonodular transformation and clinically manifested as hepatocellular failure and portal hypertension. Recently, it is proposed that cirrhosis be subdivided into 3 stages histologically and 4 stages clinically. Non-invasive diagnostic criteria based on biochemical markers and imaging techniques and prognostic models have been established and validated in different settings. Management of complications has also been improved steadily, but the definite efficacy of some therapies remains controversial. In this article the authors summarize the advances in staging, diagnosis, prognosis and management of cirrhosis.