الفهرس 
INTRODUCTIONOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Egypt has a very high prevalence of HCV and a high morbidity and mortality from chronic liver diseases. Recently the National Liver Institute stated that HCV is the predominant cause of chronic liver disease in Egypt and there is a large occult reservoir of HCV causing chronic liver disease in the country. HCV has been estimated by WHO to infect 200 Million patients worldwide, with a high prevalence rate (about 13.8%) among Egyptians. Nearly 85% of those infected with HCV will develop chronic hepatitis, from those up to 20-30% will develop cirrhosis.
Egypt has higher rates of HCV than neighboring countries as well as other countries in the world with comparable socioeconomic conditions and hygienic standards for invasive medical, dental or paramedical procedures.
As aging is strongly associated with fibrosis progression, elderly patients are likely to have an advanced liver disease and a high risk for impending liver-related complications. The senescent liver has reduced regenerative capacity, thus recovery is impaired in response to viral or toxic insult or disease process.
The aim of the present study was to estimate the serum level of IGF-1 in elderly patients with chronic liver diseases. Also, to determine the relationship between IGF-1 levels and the severity of liver disease in elderly. Moreover, to tell whether IGF-1 could be used as a laboratory marker for assessment of liver function in addition to Child Pugh classification.