What is Liver Cirrhosis

What is Liver Cirrhosis?

Liver cirrhosis is a common disease characterized by the loss of normal liver architecture due to diffuse hepatic fibrosis with the formation of regenerative nodules. Cirrhosis is a complication of many liver diseases which results in decreased liver function. In this condition, healthy liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue. It can occur at any age and is an important cause of premature death. Cirrhosis is the most common causes of portal hypertension and its associated complications.

Why Does Liver Cirrhosis Occur?

Liver Cirrhosis Causes are-

Long-term alcohol abuse
Chronic viral hepatitis- Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Immune - Primary sclerosing cholangitis and Autoimmune hepatitis
Biliary - Primary biliary cirrhosis, Secondary biliary cirrhosis, and Cystic fibrosis
Genetic - Haemochromatosis. Wilson's disease and α1-antitrypsin deficiency
Cryptogenic
Chronic venous outflow obstruction
Cardiac cirrhosis
Inherited metabolic liver disease
Budd–Chiari syndrome
Galactosaemia
Glycogen storage disease

The most common causes of cirrhosis are chronic viral hepatitis and prolonged excessive alcohol consumption.

What is the Liver Cirrhosis Symptoms?

See - Liver Cirrhosis Signs and Symptoms

How can Liver Cirrhosis be Diagnosed?

Medical history, physical examination, or routine testing will help your doctor to diagnose liver cirrhosis. He/she will try to find out liver cirrhosis signs and symptoms. If liver cirrhosis is present, the doctor may suggest some tests to determine the severity of the cirrhosis and the presence of complications. Tests also help to diagnose the underlying disease that is causing the cirrhosis. Important Tests are-

Liver biopsy- confirmatory and the best test for liver cirrhosis
Blood tests (e. g. as a complete blood count, bilirubin test, liver function tests) to determine the cause of cirrhosis
Imaging Tests-

CT scan of the abdomen

MRI of the abdomen

Ultrasound of the abdomen

Endoscopy to check for abnormal veins in the esophagus or stomach

How can Liver Cirrhosis be Treated?

Liver Cirrhosis Treatment includes-

Preventing further damage to the liver by treating the underlying cause of cirrhosis and lifestyle changes (see prevention below)
Treating the complications of cirrhosis
Preventing liver cancer or detecting it early
Liver transplantation

What can Happen, if Liver Cirrhosis Left Untreated?

Different complications may occur. Liver Cirrhosis Complications are-

Portal hypertension
Ascites
Hepatic encephalopathy
Hepatopulmonary syndrome
Liver cancer (Hepatocellular carcinoma)
Kidney failure (Hepatorenal syndrome)
Hematologic abnormalities- Thrombocytopenia, Anemia, Neutropenia, and Hemolysis
Bone disease- Osteopenia, Osteomalacia, Osteoporosis
Bleeding disorders or Coagulopathy- Thrombocytopenia, Factor deficiency and Fibrinolysis
Malnutrition
Bacterial peritonitis
Esophageal varices
Diabetes Mellitus

What is the way of Liver Cirrhosis Prevention?

Drink alcohol only in moderation. If you have chronic hepatitis or other liver diseases, avoid alcohol completely.
Prevent the transmission of hepatitis B or C. Immunization against hepatitis B is required for everyone. So, talk to your health care provider for this.
Consume a balanced diet
Maintain a healthy weight
Avoid drugs that cause liver damage
Talk to your health care provider before taking any medicines, vitamins, herbs, or supplements
Use chemicals carefully