Epidemiological assessment of liver disease in northeastern Brazil by means of a standardized liver biopsy protocol.

Background/aim: The main objective of this study was to describe the profile of patients who were benefitted in a collective effort to perform liver biopsies in Bahia, Brazil.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample composed of all the patients who were submitted to liver biopsy during a collective effort carried out in Bahia between July 2007 and November 2009. At the time of the procedure, date on the age and gender of patients and the reason for performing the biopsy were recorded.