In response to the increasing number of liver disease cases in the country, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai (AHNM) has launched a state-of-the-art 12-bedded Liver Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This specialized facility, the first of its kind in the Navi Mumbai region, aims to provide comprehensive care for liver diseases, including acute liver failure, chronic disease management, and post-transplant recovery. The launch further solidifies Apollo Hospitals as a leading provider of liver care in the region.
According to statistics, India accounted for 18.3% of the global liver disease-related deaths in 2015, with chronic liver disease (CLD) being one of the major causes. CLD arises from various factors, including alcohol use, viral hepatitis (HBV and HCV), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and genetic disorders.
Dr. Guruprasad Shetty (Apollo Hospital) | FPJ/ Farooq Sayed
Dr. Ameya Sonavane (Apollo Hospital) | FPJ/ Farooq Sayed
India currently has over 40 million people infected with hepatitis B, contributing to nearly 600,000 deaths annually. Hepatitis C causes 32% of liver cancer and 20% of cirrhosis cases, while a large portion of the population remains unaware of their infection. Hepatitis E also poses a significant risk, especially to pregnant women, and NAFLD has become a leading cause of liver-related deaths.
Acute liver failure (ALF), driven by viral infections and drug toxicity, is a major contributor to liver-related health issues, particularly hepatitis E in adults and hepatitis A in children. With 200,000 new cases of end-stage liver disease and a demand for 25,000 liver transplants annually, the growing burden of liver disease in India highlights the need for early detection and improved access to advanced medical care.
Dr. Amey Sonavane, Consultant in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at AHNM, shared that liver disease is a significant health challenge in India, with 1 in 5 adults exhibiting symptoms of liver disorders. “Factors such as poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyles, viral infections, and genetic conditions contribute to various liver diseases, including fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis,” Dr. Sonavane said and further emphasized that the demand for specialised liver disease care will continue to rise as these factors remain prevalent.
Dr. Guruprasad Shetty, Lead of HPB and Liver Transplantation Surgery at AHNM, highlighted the importance of specialised care in addressing India’s liver disease burden. “Unlike dialysis for kidney failure, there is no machine to replicate liver function when the organ fails, making advanced liver care essential. The opening of our dedicated Liver ICU is a critical step in meeting this growing need. Our center has already performed over 215 liver transplants with a 90% success rate,” he said.
Dr. Akshay Challani, Lead and Senior Consultant in Critical Care at AHNM, discussed the complexity of managing advanced liver diseases, which often lead to multiple organ dysfunctions, impacting not just the liver but also the kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain. He stressed the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to improving patient survival and preventing irreversible damage. “Our dedicated Liver ICU will offer a cohesive, multidisciplinary approach that focuses on reducing complications and ensuring timely interventions for improved survival and long-term outcomes,” Dr. Challani added.
Dr. Suvadeep Sen, Consultant in Critical Care at AHNM, explained the advanced infrastructure and care systems within the new Liver ICU. “The unit is staffed by a dedicated team of critical care physicians, trained nurses, and support staff, including physiotherapists and nutritionists. The facility prioritizes infection control with strict protocols and advanced systems, including artificial liver assist devices, continuous renal replacement therapies, and extracorporeal blood purification. Positive pressure isolation units and advanced cleaning measures ensure a sterile environment, protecting patients from infection risks.
The ICU also features advanced hemodynamic monitoring, bedside ultrasonography, and 24/7 services, including specialized operating theatres, blood banks, and laboratories,” Dr Sen said.