[Bed rest, diet and working capability in liver disease (author's transl)]

General views concerning bed rest, diet and working capability in liver disease have changed during the last years. Rigorous bed rest in acute viral hepatitis is necessary only for short periods of time; it is necessary in chronic liver disease only in rare cases and during the terminal stage, respectively. A liver diet does not exist. Normal palatable nutrition is completely adequate in liver disease. Restriction of protein and sodium chloride intake is indicated only in cases with incumbent coma or with ascites. Patients suffering from acute viral hepatitis are incapable of working; however, they can go back to work a few weeks after the acute stage. Estimation of disability to work in patients with chronic liver disease may be difficult; no general rules can be given; in chronic active hepatitis disability is proportional to the activity of the disease and may range from 20-100%. Fatty liver without inflammatory changes does not influence working capability.