Doctor's Notes on Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cirrhosis refers to scarring of the liver with loss of normal liver cells. It develops as a complication of a number of different conditions that can cause liver damage. Alcohol abuse and alcohol damage to the liver is a common cause of cirrhosis, along with viral hepatitis B and C. However, there are other causes of cirrhosis. Toxic metals and other chemicals may cause liver damage leading to scarring. In certain genetic diseases, toxic metals or fats accumulate in the liver to abnormal amounts. Autoimmune liver disease in which the body's immune system attacks the liver is another potential cause.
Some people with cirrhosis may have few or no symptoms or signs of liver disease. Others may show some common symptoms and signs of cirrhosis including:
Other associated symptoms can include itching and easy bruising due to decreased production by the liver of the substances needed for blood clotting.
Individuals with cirrhosis also develop symptoms and signs from the complications of cirrhosis like hepatic encephalopathy or ascites.
What Is the Treatment for Cirrhosis of the Liver?
Treatment for cirrhosis of the liver may involve therapies directed at the underlying cause of the condition, such as treatment for alcohol abuse, weight loss for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, or treatments for underlying viral infections.
Treatments to control the symptoms of cirrhosis are varies and individualized for each patient. Treatments may include:
- Blood pressure medications to control the increased blood pressure in the veins to the liver
- Medications to prevent fluid accumulation in the body
- A low-sodium diet to prevent fluid accumulation
- Procedures to ligate dilated veins (varices)
- Medications to reduce encephalopathy due to toxin accumulation
- Liver transplantation
Alcohol : Alcoholism & Health Effects Quiz
QuestionLong-term heavy alcohol consumption can cause:
See AnswerMust Read Articles:
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Alcohol Intoxication
Alcohol intoxication is defined as when the quantity of alcohol the person consumes produces behavioral or physical abnormalities. Alcohol is the generic term for ethanol. A person who is intoxicated with alcohol they may have euphoria, poor coordination and movement, poor judgment, memory loss, slurred speech, confusion, and even coma and death if the person consumed enough alcohol. Gender, coexisiting medical conditions, and medications may have an effect on the level of alcohol intoxication a person experiences. -
Alcoholism
Alcohol problems vary in severity from mild to life-threatening and affect the individual, the person's family, and society in numerous adverse ways. Signs of a drinking problem include insomnia, loss of employment, blackouts, depression, auto accidents, bruises, frequent falls, and anxiety. Treatment involves stabilization, detoxification, and rehabilitation of the alcohol-dependent person. -
Edema
Edema is a condition in which fluid builds up in tissues in certain parts of the body causing swelling, pain, redness, and soreness. There are various types of edema. The most common type is peripheral edema, which affects the arms, legs, ankles, and feet. Edema is caused by many diseases and health problems like water retention, lymphedema, blood clots in the leg. -
Hepatitis B (HBV, Hep B)
Hepatitis is a general term that means inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis B is caused by infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV, Hep B). Hepatitis B is transmitted from one person to another person via blood in semen, saliva, vaginal discharge, etc. Symptoms of hepatitis B include loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, itching, jaundice, and abdomen pain. -
Hepatitis B Treatment
Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis can be potentially prevented by the available hepatitis vaccines for both infants, children, and adults. Hepatitis B treatment options include a class of medications called nucleoside/nucleotide analogues, and interferons. Side effects, drug interactions, warnings and precautions should be discussed with a doctor prior to starting treatment with hepatitis B medicaitons. -
Hepatitis C (Hep C, HCV)
Hepatitis C (Hep C, HCV) is inflammation of the liver caused by infection with the hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis C is contagious. Symptoms of hepatitis C include fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, loss of appetite, and jaundice. Treatment for hepatitis C are medications, and if necessary, liver transplant. -
Liver Biopsy: Procedure Reasons and Side Effects
Liver biopsy involves the removal of a small piece of tissue from the liver. Reasons for liver biopsy is to diagnose disease, monitor disease, and monitor the effectiveness of therapy. Risk of liver biopsy include hematoma, bleeding, striking another organ, and tumor tracking. Types of liver biopsy include percutaneous, transjugular, and intraoperative liver biopsy. -
Liver Blood Tests
Liver blood tests are used to check the levels and function of liver enzymes in the blood called AST and ALT or aminotransferases in the blood. Symptoms of elevated or high liver enzymes in the blood include fever, abdominal pain, poor appetite, itching, and nausea. Normal levels of liver enzymes in blood are caused by liver diseases caused by drugs, for example, acetaminophen (Tylenol), pain medications, and statins. Less common causes of abnormal levels of ALT or AST levels in the blood are alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver diseases (NASH), hepatitis, and alcoholism. Normal levels of ALT ranges from about 7-56 units/liter, and 10-40 units/liters for AST. Elevated (high) and low liver enzymes elevated levels of AST and ALT may signify the level of liver damage the person has. A blood sample is sent to the laboratory for measurement. Usually, you doctor will have the results interpreted within a few hours to days. Liver blood tests are used to check normal, elevated (high), and low blood levels of liver enzymes (AST and ALT or aminotransferases). Symptoms of elevated levels of liver enzymes are fever, abdominal pain, poor appetite, and nausea. Drugs, for example, acetaminophen (Tylenol), pain drugs, and statins caused high levels of liver enzymes. Less common causes are NASH, hepatitis, and alcoholism. -
Liver Transplant
Liver disease is a serious problem; the liver is one of the most-frequently transplanted organ in the United States.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.