Sarcopenia is defined by muscle loss and muscle dysfunction. Sarcopenia is classified into primary and secondary types, based on the cause. Primary sarcopenia is mainly aging-related sarcopenia, whereas secondary sarcopenia is the reduced muscle mass and strength that accompanies an underlying disease. Given the essential role of the liver in metabolism, secondary sarcopenia due to nutritional disorders or other factors can frequently occur in liver disease. In 2015, the Japan Society of Hepatology (JSH) decided to establish its own assessment criteria for sarcopenia in liver disease because the number of liver disease patients with sarcopenia is expected to increase and there is cumulative evidence to indicate sarcopenic patients have poor clinical outcomes. A working group to create assessment criteria for sarcopenia has thus been established by the JSH. In this article, we summarize the current knowledge with regard to sarcopenia and present the assessment criteria for sarcopenia in liver disease proposed by the JSH (1st edition). To the best of our knowledge, this is globally the first proposed assessment criteria for sarcopenia specializing in liver disease.

The prognosis of HCC patients with extrahepatic metastases is poor. With regard to the cause of death, many patients would die of intrahepatic HCC and few of extrahepatic metastases. Although most of HCC patients with extrahepatic metastases should undergo treatment for the primary HCC mainly, treatment of extrahepatic metastases in selected HCC patients who have good hepatic reserve, intrahepatic tumor stage (T0-T2), and are free of portal venous invasion may improve survival.

Aim:To compare the efficacy and safety of edoxaban and warfarin for treatment of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) following danaparoid sodium in patients with liver cirrhosis.Methods: Fifty cirrhotic patients with PVT treated initially for 2 weeks with danaparoid sodium were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. Treatment was later switched to either edoxaban (n = 20) or warfarin (n = 30). We compared the efficacy and safety of edoxaban and warfarin for up to 6 months. The PVT volume was measured by dynamic computed tomography before treatment, at 2 weeks, and at 1, 3, and 6 months.

NBNC-HCC has gradually been increasing in recent years. The present study elucidated that the presence of NASH and metabolic syndrome were important risk factors for NBNC-HCC and suggests that these patients should receive surveillance for HCC development.

Advanced HCC patients with CP score of 5/6 and 7 showed a better response to HAIC and better prognosis than those with CP score 8/9.

The results indicated that SBRT combined with TACE is a safe and effective modality for locoregional treatment of small solitary primary HCC, and could be potentially a suitable option.

These results suggest that P.g infection is an important risk factor for pathological progression in NAFLD. Increase in the monounsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio may be an important change that facilitates progression of NAFLD.

Successful viral eradication by IFN-free daclatasvir and asunaprevir therapy could lead to improved liver function parameters and reduced liver fibrosis markers and AFP levels. This treatment has the potential to improve liver fibrosis and decrease the incidence of hepatocarcinogenesis.