Hepatism

HEPATISM, functional damage to the liver, which does not correspond to any of the generally recognized diseases of this organ. The doctrine of H., touched upon in France in 1890 by Frantz Glenard, received new light in 1922 in the book by Roger Glenard in connection with the functional direction in clinical practice. According to this doctrine, the severe anatomical suffering of the liver that one has to observe in patients (such as cirrhosis, for example) does not appear immediately, but as a result of a series of functional disorders. Diagnosing these functional disorders is very important, as this can prevent deeper anatomical damage to such an important organ as the liver. Diseases of metabolism, gastrointestinal dyspepsia, and neuropathic conditions predispose to H. The following external causes have an influence: alcoholism, improper excessive nutrition, sedentary lifestyle, pregnancy, prolapse of internal organs, infections, etc. Minor signs of H. include: sensitivity of the right hypochondrium, bitterness in the mouth, nausea and vomiting of bile, discolored stools, constipation or diarrhea, pigment spots on the skin, yellowish color of the face, insomnia, fatigue, etc. On palpation, enlargement and tenderness of the liver can be determined. Appropriate hygienic, dietary, and therapeutic measures eliminate the functional disorder of the liver (H.), and thereby prevent the development of severe anatomical damage in it. The doctrine of H. must be recognized as scientifically insufficiently substantiated, and the very concept of hepatism is in any case very vague.